Respiratory infection in rooster

[nvdirtfreak]

7 month old Buff Orpington rooster has a respiratory infection. I isolated him as soon as I saw him, gave him vetrx and apple cider vinegar. He seems much improved now. However, can I ever reintroduce him to my flock now that he is a carrier? Hens all seem fine, don't want them to get sick. Also have a clutch of eggs hopefully hatching soon. Do I need to get rid of the rooster?

 

[Pork Pie]

It's likely that, assuming the issue is viral (worst case scenario), the rest of the flock is already infected / carriers. It could be a bacterial, fungal or allergic cause which are not too much of an issue, in relative terms.

If possible, getting a vet's diagnosis would be ideal - at least then you'd know what you are dealing with.

This link may be of interest - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I agree with @Pork Pie Ken

Without testing there's no way to know the cause of the respiratory infection.
Can you tell us more about the symptoms that he had - watery/bubbly eyes with pus, mucous from the nostrils, facial swelling, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, lethargy, going off feed, etc.?
How long did it take for symptoms to subside once you started treatment?

Moldy feed/conditions, dry/dusty bedding, ammonia from droppings and respiratory disease are some of the most common causes of respiratory symptoms.
If he has a respiratory disease, the others chickens he was housed with are generally considered carriers even if they never show symptoms. Depending on your goals, breeding, selling/giving away hatching egg, chicks, etc. or showing birds - testing from your state lab or an independent lab would be a good idea. Certain respiratory diseases have an impact on future egg hatching/ transmission of illness and egg quality/production as well.