Respiratory Issues - Antibiotics or Antibacterial

[RachaelS]

I noticed one of my hens is have wet sounding breathing, I thought it was due to the heat. Now my rooster is doing the same thing, they both sound like they have a cold, with a little sneezing but no discharge and they are not gasping for air. So if it is a respiratory issues that is spreading, should I use an Antibacterial (have Sulmet) or should I use an Antibiotic? If antibiotic what type? Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[froggiesheins]

Respritory diseases are of a viral nature and contagious. Sounds like it is working its way thru your flock if two have it. You can use antibiotics to help for the congestion [similair to a human with the flu].
How old are your chickens?
Separate the 2 infected STAT........hopefully no one else will get it then.......gotta try to find more info for ya...

 

[RachaelS]

The one to show the first symptoms is about a year and half, the Roo is 5 months. They are both away from the rest but were all in the same coop for 48 hours, also, they all free range, not only with the coop they are in but with my 10 week old, little ones. How, would they have gotten it? I have a closed flock.

Thank you for your help.

 

[RachaelS]

Okay I went out to check on them again, their breathing sounds kind of like a cat purring. Does that help? Again, there is no nasal discharge and their eyes are not watery. I have been reading on here and if it is a respiratory illness, then it seems everyone says to cull. However, if they were with others, would I have to cull those also? I really don't want to cull anyone, Lucy was one of my first chickens.

I also don't have a clue how they could have gotten it. As I stated I have a closed flock, I did get 4 chicks about 3 weeks ago, however, they are on the other side of the house and none of them are sick and they also came from a very reputable breeder, I went there to pick them up and her grounds were impeccable with no sick chickens.

 

[azahn]

Hey Austin girl.

I'm about 200 miles NE of you. I'm having the same problem! From what little I've read, if we are talking viral, we could have picked it up from vermin... the only thing I can figure since I too have a closed flock (it's my first flock, no one has come in or out since February). I am VERY concerned! I just started a new thread on this forum if you are interested in reading it. Good luck with your babies.

 

[RachaelS]

Hey Austin girl.

I'm about 200 miles NE of you. I'm having the same problem! From what little I've read, if we are talking viral, we could have picked it up from vermin... the only thing I can figure since I too have a closed flock (it's my first flock, no one has come in or out since February). I am VERY concerned! I just started a new thread on this forum if you are interested in reading it. Good luck with your babies.

Thank you! Yes, I am, very interested what is your thread name?
Vermin? I am out in the country, everyone has 5+ acres. I do have one neighbor that take in "others" but she is far away. I have squirrels but nothing else.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

I have gone thru respiratory illness this year and came out fine. I would only cull at last resort. I always try to treat first. My chickens are my pets and of course egg providers, I use duramycin-10 and apple cider vinegar in the water. After a round of the antibiotic the symptoms will be gone and then you give a few days of probiotics either thru a powder in the water or yogurt with live cultures.

 

[azahn]

Yes, I'm out in the country too -- just outside Sulphur Springs. We have a farm, and my husband last night mixed in some sulfa drug (on hand for our cattle) in their water. We are going to keep them 'locked down' for the next day or two in their run so they drink their medicine. At least, that's the plan until we come up with something better. My thread was "infectious coryza/infectious bronchitis". No replies yet, probably too long a novel to read (lol). If we can laugh while our chickies are sick. It's supposed to be a nice few days weather-wise coming up; maybe it will help us weather this storm better. Let's keep in touch.

 

[RachaelS]

I have gone thru respiratory illness this year and came out fine. I would only cull at last resort. I always try to treat first. My chickens are my pets and of course egg providers, I use duramycin-10 and apple cider vinegar in the water. After a round of the antibiotic the symptoms will be gone and then you give a few days of probiotics either thru a powder in the water or yogurt with live cultures.

Thank you! I think I am going to do that.

 

[RachaelS]

azahn, yes, we should keep in touch.

What I have done so far, separated the hen and roo showing symptoms. Then totally cleaned out the coop they were in, even the nesting. I scrubbed down all feeders and waters. I also moved my 10 week old breeders away from the 10 week old egg layers. Gives everyone more room which can't hurt right now. I also totally cleaned out their coops, feeders and waters. No one will be allowed to free range for the next few days. Put everyone back on medicated chick starter and put ACV in water. Going out today to get the duramycin-10. Good thing, this morning no one in the main coop is showing any symptoms.

Then I guess I just have to sit back and wait. I was planning on keeping that hen and her two buddies in a separate pen for now on anyway, so this just solidifies what I have to do.