sick chicken

[soontoretire]

So I am new to this. I have read your forum alot. I got up this morning and my rooster had not crowed. He normally starts @ 4 and makes sure I am up by 7. When I went down to let them out I noticed his breathing was very rattled. My #1 hen went straight into the box so I didn't notice her till I went to collect the egg. She also is having trouble. I ahve a small flock of 6 and everyone else is fine. We recently added the last 2 hens but they seem very healthy. It has been extremely hot the last few days except today. it started raining late last nite after thy had all been put up. I read a bunch from the forums but they are still eating and drinking tho not as much, and they are moving about. They both just seem to have a cold. their eyes are bright and ther is no discharge or snot on their beaks. I am at a loss what shoud I do?

 

[CMV]

Unfortunately, it's too late to do anything. The 2 seemingly healthy hens you brought in were likely carriers of a respiratory disease.

 

[soontoretire]

So I joined this forum because everything I was reading seemed helpful and people seemed supportive. In the last 2 days I have learned more by reading from other sites and my local co-op. You told me it was to late. These are my pets and I refuse to give up. I have learned that they can survive and be happy and that was all I wanted. I am not a breeder or do I intend to show but they are my babies and all I wanted was a little advice and support. Thanks anyway

 

[nurse_turtle]

I agree that more than likely the new additions brought some kind of respiratory illness to your flock. It is always indicated to quarantine any new chickens for at least a couple weeks to a month before putting them in with your established flock. This is especially true if you get new birds from a swap or auction. I don't go to these events because of the risk of disease. You could give the birds antibiotic, but if it's a viral thing, the antibiotics will make no difference. Hopefully the illness will run its course and not take the lives of your flock. It can be quite difficult when there is an illness or parasite issue with our birds and I'm sorry you're dealing with this.