Respiratory Disease????

[Chris Hernandez]

A few months ago I bought 7 new hens while there was a cold front coming in. All seven hens got sick with a respiratory disease and at the same time they were at the bottom of the pecking order. They got really sick and started to have a rattle in their breathing, were sneezing, had bubbles in their eyes, and had swollen faces. I went to a feed and supply store and bought some Tylan 50. I injected each of them with 1/2 mL for 5 days. Their symptoms disappeared for about two weeks before flaring up again. Yesterday thy started to flare up again and so did one of my 7 year old hens and 7 year old rooster. Im not sure what to door if I should inject them again. Please help.

 

[micstrachan]

I am not qualified to answer this, but I suspect a viral infection. The antibiotics only help bacterial infections. How well ventilated is the coop? I wonder if the additional birds are overloading the air. Did you quarantine them before adding to the flock?
Minimally, I thi k supportive care, like poultry vitamins in the water and possibly a heat source, might be in order. Just take extra care with your heat source. Heat lamps pose a fire threat and teflon coated bulbs are deadly to chickens due to the off gassing. Good luck. I’ll be watching this thread and hoping for the best for your flock.

 

[Chris Hernandez]

I am not qualified to answer this, but I suspect a viral infection. The antibiotics only help bacterial infections. How well ventilated is the coop? I wonder if the additional birds are overloading the air. Did you quarantine them before adding to the flock?
Minimally, I thi k supportive care, like poultry vitamins in the water and possibly a heat source, might be in order. Just take extra care with your heat source. Heat lamps pose a fire threat and teflon coated bulbs are deadly to chickens due to the off gassing. Good luck. I’ll be watching this thread and hoping for the best for your flock.

The coop is well ventilated it has 3 windows and holes towards the top of the roof. I live in south Florida so I don't need a heat lamp (its like 80-85 degrees) I didn't quarantine, because I didn't have another coop or cage. I forgot to mention they stink so I suspect it's infectious coryza, I'm just not sure what to treat them with. Im going to bathe them tomorrow because their covered in mucus, I'm going to change their bedding and I'm going to give everyone some Tylan 50. Im also going to see if I can go get some VetRX, do you have any suggestions for medications or treatments that I can give them to try and alleviate their symptoms.

 

[Mr.chickens]

In my opinion you give ur girls garlic and keep them hot.

 

[Chris Hernandez]

In my opinion you give ur girls garlic and keep them hot.

I've heard of giving them garlic and lemon before. I think ill mix a bit in their water and give it a try. This has already happened to me once and I really don't want it to happen any time soon.

 

[micstrachan]

I’m sorry, but I am not experienced with antibiotics and respiratory illnesses. Trying to learn as quickly as I can, andI’m attempting to put together an illness vs. recommended meds chart with help from the more knowledgable people on here. Someone will be along soon,I’m sure.
I agree infectious coryza is likely with the stench.

 

[Chris Hernandez]

I’m sorry, but I am not experienced with antibiotics and respiratory illnesses. Trying to learn as quickly as I can, andI’m attempting to put together an illness vs. recommended meds chart with help from the more knowledgable people on here. Someone will be along soon,I’m sure.
I agree infectious coryza is likely with the stench.

That is ok I appreciate your help. The thing that really really concerns me is my 7 year old hen and 7 year old rooster. They just crashed in less that 48 hours.

 

[micstrachan]

I’m so sorry. Perhaps the new birds were carrying something and the stress of the move made their symptomsco e on. If they were carriers, your existing flock was going to get exposed eventually. Hang in there. Wishing the best for you and your flock.

 

[Chris Hernandez]

I’m so sorry. Perhaps the new birds were carrying something and the stress of the move made their symptomsco e on. If they were carriers, your existing flock was going to get exposed eventually. Hang in there. Wishing the best for you and your flock.

Ok, thank you so much.