Respiratory Problem

[Susan945]

Just found one rooster and 4 hens having some sort of respiratory problem. They are wheezing and a couple have watery eyes. They keep shutting them and are acting lethargic.
Any ideas on what is going on?
We have separated them cleaned all water and feed trays. What can we do for them?

 

[Pyxis]

Have you taken in new birds recently? This sounds a lot like a respiratory disease such as possibly mycoplasma or coryza.

 

[Susan945]

Have you taken in new birds recently? This sounds a lot like a respiratory disease such as possibly mycoplasma or coryza.

Yes, were given 3 baby chicks, about 8 weeks old. We have them in a pen beside the chicken run. We thought so they could be introduced to the flock in about 4 weeks. We lost one to a racoon but the other 2 are doing fine and they aren't showing any signs of being sick.

 

[Pyxis]

Did you do any quarantining before putting them next to the run? These types of illnesses are airborne and chickens can carry them with no signs that they have them until they have a flareup.

 

[Susan945]

Did you do any quarantining before putting them next to the run? These types of illnesses are airborne and chickens can carry them with no signs that they have them until they have a flareup.

We kept them away from the flock for about a week. We thought keeping them separated by the run would be fine. Looks like we were wrong. We had our flock for 2 years and this was the first time we took in any other birds. We have 26 hens and 2 rooster. I sure hate to think they all might die.

 

[Pyxis]

They won't die from this as long as you treat it (you'll want to confirm what it is, might need to take one to a vet to get the proper meds since the new animal medicine law was passed) but they could have flareups that need to be treated whenever they are stressed and you need to run a closed flock now, no birds out and no eggs out for hatching.

 

[Susan945]

They won't die from this as long as you treat it (you'll want to confirm what it is, might need to take one to a vet to get the proper meds since the new animal medicine law was passed) but they could have flareups that need to be treated whenever they are stressed and you need to run a closed flock now, no birds out and no eggs out for hatching.

So are you saying we shouldn't sell any of the chickens and don't let the hens brood any of the eggs? We never sell or give away our chickens, but we would like to add to the flock a few each year to keep young chickens around.
How about eating the eggs? Any problems for humans?
I will get one to the vet to be checked out.
Thank you for your help.