Rooster with flu-like symptoms

[ILuvChooks]

I have a Japanese Bantam rooster, around 4 years old now, who recently started showing flu like symptoms. It is quite cold where I am so that could be the cause but I'm just concerned of his hoarse voice and crows. He's eating and drinking just fine and he's not lethargic at all, but he randomly makes wheezing sounds and starts to sneeze. The tip of his comb is also a bit black, I'm not sure if that's something to raise concern of, it was extremely flaky this morning but I put some pawpaw ointment on it and it seems ok. He was also shaking his head alot, could it possibly be a respiratory infection? I've separated him from his coop as we're raising chicks right next to it and don't want them to catch anything, and I'll be monitoring his symptoms for the next few days. I'd just like some advice on what to do and if I should be concerned?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a Japanese Bantam rooster, around 4 years old now, who recently started showing flu like symptoms. It is quite cold where I am so that could be the cause but I'm just concerned of his hoarse voice and crows. He's eating and drinking just fine and he's not lethargic at all, but he randomly makes wheezing sounds and starts to sneeze. The tip of his comb is also a bit black, I'm not sure if that's something to raise concern of, it was extremely flaky this morning but I put some pawpaw ointment on it and it seems ok. He was also shaking his head alot, could it possibly be a respiratory infection? I've separated him from his coop as we're raising chicks right next to it and don't want them to catch anything, and I'll be monitoring his symptoms for the next few days. I'd just like some advice on what to do and if I should be concerned?

Is his crop emptying?
Have you closed up housing for cold weather? Sometimes closing things up prevents good ventilation which is necessary even in cold weather.

Where did the chicks come from and how long have they been next to the rooster?

I'd check him over for lice/mites, make sure his crop is emptying, check to see if his nostrils are blocked with feed.

Have you ever had respiratory infection within your flock?

For now, he's eating/drinking and seems fine - I wouldn't treat him for anything unless he shows clear symptoms of respiratory illness.