Rescued battery hens now gasping for breath,eyes closed, runny noses

[weesy68]

No energy, no curiousity, just hunched under a heat lamp I gave them as it's so damp here in CT since I brought them home. Is this a virus? I gave them scrambled egg mixed with yoghurt, honey, vitamins and rolled oats (thanks for the earlier advice btw), which seemed to perk them up a little, but now they are back to looking very weak and ill. Their whole body is heaving as they breath as if they can't get enough air. Can I give them medicine for this? I can buy meds at a feed store in Monroe (Benedict's). They seem to be circling the drain right now, and I'd be so sad to lose them

Do battery hens usually come with a lot of illness? These two came from a live poultry place in the Bronx where they slaughter them for you right there, they are stacked to the ceiling ten to a cage.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Judy]

You might want to read this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=171120&p=1

 

[jenni2142]

runny noses? maybe resp infection. can you get some antibiotics? I would get the injectable asap. I use tylan. not sure of dose though maybe someone else knows? I recently lost one like this, I thought she was quiet cause she was going broody, by the time I realized she was ill her lungs were full of fluid.

 

[Sunny the Hippie Chick]

You might want to read this thread and go to the link provided.. It will take you to a site that has free pamplets and stuff about some of the serious illnesses.. I dont know where I exactly found it. But you can read some of the stuff directly on the site.. Or send for your free stuff to read and watch..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=175399

Good luck with your sick chickies..

Edited because I forgot the link.. I guess I better go get a cup of coffee...