Respiratory infection

[Msmagic]

Hello all, hope you're having a wonderful day! I have had one of my hens inside 2 weeks today due to a severe respiratory infection, I honestly thought I was going to lose her but she seems to be recovered. She is eating and drinking again on her own and her appetite is definitely back, she is no longer gasping for air or falling asleep. She's a lot more energetic and alert. We are back into the 70s this week with lows around high 40's - low 50s. Do you think I'm ok to put her back out in my fenced yard with my other 3 hens or is it too soon? If I do put her out and it's too soon how fast will I see signs of it being to soon?

Thank you all in advance for your support. I love being part of this community.

 

[FowlProtector]

It sounds like your hen has made a great recovery, which is wonderful to hear! Given the warmer temperatures you're experiencing, it might be safe to transition her back outside, but there are a few things to consider:

1. Check for Full Recovery: Before reintroducing her to the flock, make sure she’s fully recovered. Her energy levels should be back to normal, and she should be eating, drinking, and interacting with you and the environment like she did before the illness. If she seems weak or shows signs of stress, it’s best to wait a little longer.
2. Monitor for Respiratory Symptoms: Even though she's more energetic, keep an eye on her for any signs of respiratory distress, like labored breathing, coughing, or sneezing. If any symptoms return, it's a sign she may need more time to fully heal.
3. Watch for Social Behavior: When reintroducing her, observe how she interacts with the other hens. A smooth transition is key, so if they pick on her or she’s overly stressed, it might be a sign that she’s not quite ready to rejoin the flock. You might want to try gradual introductions.
4. Gradual Reintroduction: Consider letting her spend some time outside in the yard (near the others, but separated) so she can see and hear them, but isn’t directly interacting just yet. This allows the flock to adjust to her return. Gradually increase the time they are together.
5. Watch for Aggression: The other hens may be territorial or a little wary of her return, so monitor how they react. If they show aggressive behavior, like pecking or bullying her, it might be best to separate her again until things calm down.
6. Good Weather Conditions: Since the weather is mild, it’s a good time to reintroduce her. Sudden weather changes (like cold or wet conditions) could add extra stress, so the warmer temps will help her adjust more easily.
7. Keep an Eye on Her Stress Levels: If she seems overwhelmed or out of breath after interacting with the flock, bring her back inside for a rest. Stress can slow down her full recovery.

 

[Msmagic]

It sounds like your hen has made a great recovery, which is wonderful to hear! Given the warmer temperatures you're experiencing, it might be safe to transition her back outside, but there are a few things to consider:

1. Check for Full Recovery: Before reintroducing her to the flock, make sure she’s fully recovered. Her energy levels should be back to normal, and she should be eating, drinking, and interacting with you and the environment like she did before the illness. If she seems weak or shows signs of stress, it’s best to wait a little longer.
2. Monitor for Respiratory Symptoms: Even though she's more energetic, keep an eye on her for any signs of respiratory distress, like labored breathing, coughing, or sneezing. If any symptoms return, it's a sign she may need more time to fully heal.
3. Watch for Social Behavior: When reintroducing her, observe how she interacts with the other hens. A smooth transition is key, so if they pick on her or she’s overly stressed, it might be a sign that she’s not quite ready to rejoin the flock. You might want to try gradual introductions.
4. Gradual Reintroduction: Consider letting her spend some time outside in the yard (near the others, but separated) so she can see and hear them, but isn’t directly interacting just yet. This allows the flock to adjust to her return. Gradually increase the time they are together.
5. Watch for Aggression: The other hens may be territorial or a little wary of her return, so monitor how they react. If they show aggressive behavior, like pecking or bullying her, it might be best to separate her again until things calm down.
6. Good Weather Conditions: Since the weather is mild, it’s a good time to reintroduce her. Sudden weather changes (like cold or wet conditions) could add extra stress, so the warmer temps will help her adjust more easily.
7. Keep an Eye on Her Stress Levels: If she seems overwhelmed or out of breath after interacting with the flock, bring her back inside for a rest. Stress can slow down her full recovery.

Thank you, I'll do a slow introduction now and keep an eye on her that way if any trouble I can bring her back inside right away.

 

[FowlProtector]

sounds good.

 

[Msmagic]

sounds good.

That didn't go as planned she's very very aggressive to my other hens. She keeps chasing them down and attacking them. I brought her back inside. What can I do?

 

[FowlProtector]

I am so sorry !!

 

[Msmagic]

After her last attack it seemed to take a lot out of her. She may not ne ready. I'll keep her inside for a few more days and when I try again I'll keep her separated but still in the yard until they get used to each other that way maybe? Idk I didn't realize 2 weeks apart would make this hard to put them back together.

 

[FowlProtector]

A little pecking can be normal, but you could try putting your chicken in a small fenced area where the other hens can see her but she can't peck them. You can also feed them across the fence to help with the transition

 

[FowlProtector]

i hope this helps

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hello all, hope you're having a wonderful day! I have had one of my hens inside 2 weeks today due to a severe respiratory infection, I honestly thought I was going to lose her but she seems to be recovered. She is eating and drinking again on her own and her appetite is definitely back, she is no longer gasping for air or falling asleep. She's a lot more energetic and alert. We are back into the 70s this week with lows around high 40's - low 50s. Do you think I'm ok to put her back out in my fenced yard with my other 3 hens or is it too soon? If I do put her out and it's too soon how fast will I see signs of it being to soon?

Thank you all in advance for your support. I love being part of this community.

That didn't go as planned she's very very aggressive to my other hens. She keeps chasing them down and attacking them. I brought her back inside. What can I do?

After her last attack it seemed to take a lot out of her. She may not ne ready. I'll keep her inside for a few more days and when I try again I'll keep her separated but still in the yard until they get used to each other that way maybe? Idk I didn't realize 2 weeks apart would make this hard to put them back together.

Separation even for a day sometimes makes it difficult to put a hen back with the flock.

She's taking the initiative to attack first instead of being attacked, each hen/rooster has their own way of handling stress.

If you have room, section off an area of coop/run for her to be in so she can interact with the flock instead without engaging.

You can also cage her within the coop/run with her own food/water.

If you had left her with them today, they may have worked it out by morning, hard to know, especially since she was the aggressor. Often it's the opposite and all gang up on a lone hen. If all else fails, put her back, let her chase them down and see if everything calms down after a while.

Was she head hen when you removed her? Just curious - she may just be re-establishing herself to top hen.