Runny nose... is this bad?

[Navi723]

Hi all. I'm going to do some research on my own, but thought I'd ask real quick here anyway.

I just went out to gather eggs and found one of my hens struggling to breathe with a clear discharge coming from her nostrils. She looks like I might look if I had a runny nose, breathing with my mouth open. Eyes are fine and she appears fine other than that. Maybe a little "off".

I immediately quarantined her from the rest of the flock, but I assume it's probably too late, and if it's airborne, they'll catch it anyway.

Any ideas what it is/suggestions for what I should do? As I said, I'll keep researching on my own, but the first thing I've found says to cull immediately. Yikes.

Thanks!
Kim

 

[terryg]

Respiratory diseases are contagious, but sometimes it's only the weak, susceptible one that gets truly sick. There's no way to know what infection she has, or even whether it is viral or bacterial, unless you have expensive lab tests done. Even then it can be inconclusive (I know because I've gone this route.) Lab tests also take time, and chickens can die within two days of showing symptoms. That's why people give broad-spectrum antibiotics. Most feed stores sell one variety or another. If it's the right drug you will see an improvement within 24 hours. A "real" farmer would cull, because he/she couldn't risk the entire flock falling ill, but a backyard farmer doesn't have to. In fact I have several 7 year old hens who have been sick or have been in a flock with a sick hen and they've survived just fine. Although possibly carriers, they've never passed the disease on. I have more about respiratory diseases for the backyard chicken keeper here:
http://hencam.com/faq/respiratory-diseases/

 

[Navi723]

Thank you, Terri. That's very helpful. I was planning on selling some of my flock today, but when I saw the runny nose I called it off, just to be safe. I don't want to be spreading anything. I'll keep an eye on this hen and the others and see about getting some meds.

 

[Navi723]

UPDATE. A couple of hours after after I found my hen with a runny nose and trouble breathing, and after I put her in quarantine, she appeared to be fine. I kept an eye on her for 48 hours, then released her since she still appeared to be fine. Maybe it was just the heat or dust in her nose?

 

[terryg]

Chickens can have reactions to mold and dust. Just to be on the safe side, take a close look at your feeders and waterers. Make sure they're clean. If you use hay anywhere (nesting boxes?) dump it out and start fresh. That's great that she's better!