Sick Chicken- PLEASE help

[Ferleen]

While I was giving my chickens water and food, I noticed the my Silkie rooster had his eye shut (not swollen). At first I thought that maybe it was just irritated so I purchased saline solution and some ointment to keep it clean from infection. When I checked later that day I noticed that his eye was open but they both seemed really irritated. I also noticed some dripping from his nose and he was wheezing. After reading through the forums, it seems that he may have an upper respiratory infection and read about some different antibiotics.

I was wondering if anyone has used NATURAL remedies to help them overcome illness. I have separated him from the flock and have been giving him water through a syringe to keep him hydrated. If it is a URI, how long should I expect him to be sick. It is so heartbreaking, he seems so miserable. He struggles to keep his eyes open. I am fairly new to owning chickens so I was really worried and don't know how to expect. I would appreciate any advice. THANK YOU!

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Natural solutions are wonderful when they work, however, they are not the best choice with respiratory infections, as they are highly deadly in birds and difficult to treat, even with antibiotics.

However, this could help: http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/04/natural-remedies-for-respiratory-issues.html

Best of luck! I hope he gets better soon!

Keep him warm, dry, and separated from the others and make sure he is hydrated and taking vitamins.

 

[redfordchick]

VetRX on amazon.

 

[Ferleen]

Thank you guys for the info... Last night I gave him some VetRX.

Has anyone had a rooster come back from this? Did you keep him? I was reading that it is best to remove him from the flock so he doesn't spread it to the rest; if he hasn't already.

 

[redfordchick]

Thank you guys for the info... Last night I gave him some VetRX.

Has anyone had a rooster come back from this? Did you keep him? I was reading that it is best to remove him from the flock so he doesn't spread it to the rest; if he hasn't already.

I would keep him separate until he's better, or in case you lose him. Really impossible to give you the chances of each outcome. However, I would treat naturally under most, if not all, circumstances and let what will happen happen.

 

[Ferleen]

He is separate from the flock, I've just been reading that he could be the carrier of a virus and spread it to the flock, even if he gets better.

Is there any way of knowing if he has spread it? I have been keeping a close eye on my hens and they seem fine. They all have seem to be acting normal and eating/drinking fine. I just hate the idea of having to get rid of all of them. However, I want to do what is best...

 

[GitaBooks]

He is separate from the flock, I've just been reading that he could be the carrier of a virus and spread it to the flock, even if he gets better.

Is there any way of knowing if he has spread it? I have been keeping a close eye on my hens and they seem fine. They all have seem to be acting normal and eating/drinking fine. I just hate the idea of having to get rid of all of them. However, I want to do what is best...

You probably don't have to get rid of the flock. It is likely a respiratory infection caused by something like damp conditions, dust, ect. However, do keep an eye on your other hens most certainly.

I hope he gets better soon.

 

[Eggcessive]

He is separate from the flock, I've just been reading that he could be the carrier of a virus and spread it to the flock, even if he gets better.

Is there any way of knowing if he has spread it? I have been keeping a close eye on my hens and they seem fine. They all have seem to be acting normal and eating/drinking fine. I just hate the idea of having to get rid of all of them. However, I want to do what is best...

You might want to get him tested, or sacrifice him, and get a necropsy on him by your state vet to see what disease(s) he may have. He may have something that does not cause carriers such as aspergillosis. This will help you to know what to expect, and if he or your other chickens could be carriers. I would close the flock, and not give away or sell any birds. Here is a link for state vets in the US, and one for testing centers where you could get him tested or your vet could send a culture:
http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

 

[Ferleen]

So, my Silkie rooster is still very ill and doesn't seem to making much of an improvement. It's about to be a week. However, my hens have shown no sign of respiratory issues and seem very healthy.

Is there anything else I could try with my rooster? He seems so miserable. He still is unable to open his eyes due to the seeping fluids and it hardly eating or drinking. Considering the condition he is in I am surprised that he is still alive. Don't want to lose him, but seeing him suffer is so hard. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Eggcessive]

If he is miserable and suffering, then I would put him down, and get the necrospy. If you can't, then get Tylan 50 injectable and give him 1/4 ml orally twice a day for 5 days. Clean his eyes with saline, and apply either Terramycin eye ointment from a feed store or plain Neosporin to the eyes twice a day. If there is pus in the eyes, it needs to be removed. So sorry about your rooster's illness.