Sick chick--am I doing this right?

[Peeps n Bees]

Well, I don't think it's the bedding. I separated her last night and just put a towel and water in with her to begin with (with a heat lamp) . Still sneezing this morning. She's wheezing a little, too, I noticed last night.

 

[mirandaleecon]

Well, I don't think it's the bedding.

I separated her last night and just put a towel and water in with her to begin with (with a heat lamp) . Still sneezing this morning. She's wheezing a little, too, I noticed last night.

Oh no Well the wheezing changes things. I would start treating her with Tylan 50 as soon as you can. It's an antibiotic specific for respiratory infections. You can find it at most feed stores, Tractor supply should have it if there's one close by...

 

[Peeps n Bees]

I would start treating her with Tylan 50 as soon as you can.

Ok,thanks. You'd suggest he Tylan over oxytetracycline?

 

[mirandaleecon]

I have not used oxytetracycline so I can't say much about it. I don't like the idea of using antibiotics in water though, there is no way to know how much they are getting. If they don't get enough, you could be breeding antibiotic resistant germs.
I've used tylan and it's worked the few times I've needed it. I use it as an injection, that way I know they get the full dose but a lot of people prefer to give it orally. I would say either way is fine as long as you can get the bird to swallow it. I think you may need to adjust the dose based off the way you give it though, haven't needed it for a while so I don't remember.

 

[Peeps n Bees]

I have not used oxytetracycline so I can't say much about it. I don't like the idea of using antibiotics in water though, there is no way to know how much they are getting. If they don't get enough, you could be breeding antibiotic resistant germs.
I've used tylan and it's worked the few times I've needed it.  I use it as an injection, that way I know they get the full dose but a lot of people prefer to give it orally. I would say either way is fine as long as you can get the bird to swallow it. I think you may need to adjust the dose based off the way you give it though, haven't needed it for a while so I don't remember.

Oh, good point about the dosing in water. Thank you! I'll give one or the other a try.

 

[mirandaleecon]

Ok, I hope she's feeling better soon! Keep me posted!

 

[Peeps n Bees]

Just an update for anyone who stumbles across this thread: We ended up injecting her with .25cc of Tylan 50 once a day for four days. Symptoms decreased dramatically and were pretty much gone by the third or fourth day. Kept her separated for a couple more days, gave probiotics and electrolytes in her water. Had a sneeze or two later, but was otherwise fine. No more wheezing, poo looks fine. Reintroduced her to the other chicks last night with no problems.

Thanks for all the advice!