Respiratory illness

[surjeriguy]

I'm sorry to say that three pullets of mine came down with respiratory illness symptoms, killing two of the three. Gaping, respiratory difficulties, congested, sneezing. I was able to start two of them on Tylan. I was too late with one, but the third pullet seems to be getting slowly better, starting to drink and modestly peck a bite or two. Do I continue the Tylan? She has had three doses thus far, or could it be viral? Additionally, I need to know how to reintegrate her back to the flock without risk. Or now that she has had it, is she destined to become a leper and never reintegrate back to the flock.

 

[Eggcessive]

Tylan can be given twice a day for up to 5 days. Respiratory diseases, such as mycoplasma (MG,) infectious bronchitis, coryza, ILT, and aspergillosis can become chronic and made worse by secondary infections. Antibiotics only will treat bacterial or mycoplasma infections, but symptoms may return later. If the sick chickens were exposed to other members of the flock, they may all be carriers already. It is best to either get a couple tested, or sacrifice a sick bird, and get a necropsy performed to find what illness is present. Here is a good link to read about the common diseases and symptoms, and one for contacting your state vet (in the US
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044
http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

 

[BlackGiantMerlin]

Sounds very similar to what started happening to our chickens in recent months that we finally turned the corner on. My perspective is to treat as naturally as possible whenever possible and use an approach that will address mites and parasites in addition to anything viral, bacterial or fungal - which is why I created the thread below:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1139486/healing-approach-for-any-chicken-illness

They can crash so fast and I totally understand wanting to know exactly what the illness is, but these are things you can do yourself at home right here right now. Even if you got an accurate diagnosis (I still say the people on this blog know more about chickens than most vets!), what happens 'next time' (?) as there can be so many things that create problems. I really thought I was going to lose another hen but she has been cured and is now thriving. I have changed my feeding routine and some of my keeping routine to at least eliminate anything pest or infection related.

Whatever you decide, sending healing energy to your flock!