Sick Easter Egger - maybe respiratory

[RRLaney]

I feel like it's always something. We've had our very first few cold days and nights (in the 40s/50s) in Texas this year and I'm wondering if that's just putting a lot of stress on my girls' immune systems.

A few weeks ago a handful of our chickens got dry fowl pox. We dealt with it last year and the ones who had it last year didn't show any symptoms this time around. I know it lowers the immune system so I've been changing the drinking water twice as often and supplementing with vitamins and plain yogurt. But everyone seems to be recovering fine and almost all of the pox are gone.

We recently had a cockerel with symptoms of coccidia as well so we treated the whole flock with Corrid about a week and a half ago. Everyone has seemed fine since.

Also, we wormed recently (very beginning of October).

Needless to say, I feel like we've been on top of things.

***CURRENT PROBLEM***

Last night while I was at work my boyfriend sent me a text saying my approximately 8 month old Easter Egger Jenna has one of her eyes shut. He washed it with saline and let her go to bed.

When I let the chickens out of the coop this morning, Jenna, who is normally the first to run out of the coop and eat, stayed behind on the roost. I picked her up (which she NEVER lets me do) and she had green poop stuck to her butt. And her left eye is very swollen.

I set up a crate in the garage with food, water and yogurt and she didn't touch it which is very unlike her.

I also noticed her shaking her head and it looks like she has mucous on her beak that she is shaking off.

She also pooped in the crate and it was watery - clear and white.

We have never really dealt with respiratory problems in our flock (if that's what this is), so I'm not sure where to go from here.

We rubbed warm VetRx on her head, beak, and under her wings and put some Terramycin ointment around her eye. We have Tylan 50 (injectable) on hand, but I'm not sure what this is or if that's the right treatment. If anyone has any ideas or advice about what to do next I'd really love to save this chicken.

She's a feed store chicken and I'm not sure she's been vaccinated for anything.

Also, the rest of the flock looks fine, but I'm assuming whatever Jenna has is contagious. Is there anything I need to be doing to treat the whole flock for prevention?

Thanks in advance!

Last night:

After VetRx this morning:

 

[Doc McCluckins]

I had a chicken with something similar to this. I was afraid it was Mycoplasma but I think it was just a respiratory infection. Tylan injectable cleared it right up. I can't remember the dosage I used but I found it on here. I quarantined the sick bird for a month and treated the rest of the flock with water soluble antibiotics to be safe. No sickness since.

Edit to add: The link from my sick chicken post https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ollen-eye-and-rattled-breathing-pics.1195647/

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

No smell is good...give antibiotic, and hopefully there will be improvement by tomorrow.

She is shaking her head because her sinuses are stuffed up. Looks like a bad upper respiratory. If any of the other chickens get sick, you can decide what to do then. There are meds you can put in the water.

God Bless to you and your girl. Hope all goes well...you got this!

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Ok, no wonder she is having a hard time. That is "Bumblefoot" infection, caused by a staph bacteria that invaded a break in the skin. Her immune system is overloaded, with bumblefoot infection and the upper respiratory. To have it on one foot is not good, but on both. Double trouble!

Oh well, you've got some more doctoring to do.

• You need to soak her feet in a warm solution of Epsom Salt if you have it, if not use some dish detergent. About 5 min will do, just need to soften and clean those infections. Dry thoroughly.
• Next, a thick coat of Neosporin, I prefer Colloidal Silver, then cover with a band aid or gauze, then wrap the foot with some self stick gauze to hold and protect everything.

Many people use an exacto knife to cut out the scab/infection plug first. But, it is small, so I think for today you can get away with a conservative approach. You can take another look at it tomorrow and see if you need to get more aggresive.

I don't have any experience with Tylan 50, only use Enrofloxacin. So, I do not know if it will have any affect on the Bubblefoot. But, the topical antibiotic should help. Dressing needs to be changed every other day the first week. Then, if there is improvement, every 3 days till healed. She must have cut her feet on something outside and it got infected. May want to do a foot check on the rest of the girls. Some chickens just have sensitive feet. My rooster has to wear shoes to keep his feet in good shape. He had a really bad Bumblefoot at one time.

Yes, her eye is still inflamed., the sinus on that side is inflamed and causing her eye to be irritated. Apply a warm moist compress if she'll let you. Keep using the Vet Rx. Poor baby.

If she will eat to keep her strength up she might make it. Lots of TLC, and loving voice from you will also help her spirit! The feeling of being cared for and loved, gives a huge boost, even for animals.

Right now, she is in critical condition. But, each day that she eats and drinks will bring her closer to a healing!

God Bless...praying for you and your little one.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Wonderful! I am so glad that she is recovering well. But, why wouldn't she? You and your boyfriend have done a great job of attending to her, during her time of need!

You researched, gathered advice, settled on a possible diagnosis, and put together a treatment plan, then worked at it consistently. Awesome!

She will be in recovery for another week or so for the respiratory. She can relapse so be vigilant.

As far as the bumblefoot. Her wrappings will protect the wound, just keep up with the inspections, cleanings and wrappings till it is healed.

So yes, I think she can go outside during the day, if it is sunny. It will do her good to be with the other hens. There could be some "hen pecking" and chasing, since she's been gone for almost a week. So, someone needs to check on her. Drafts and being out in the wind is not good right now. Hopefully it won't be freezing temps tonight; if you decide to let her sleep in the coop. You can judge whether is OK or not.

Again, great job!
God Bless you all!

 

[RRLaney]

She does look fashionable in those pink wraps! LOL!!!

Yes, their state of mind is important to healing too. Some chickens do get depressed when they are away from the flock, or if they can't get exercise.

I really like that you documented with photos, so others can see what you did.

Beautiful flock, they all look very healthy and happy.


Thank you for sharing and keeping us updated!

God Bless and peace to you!

Still progressing well. Thanks again for all of your help!

Last question:

Is there any way for me to change the title of this post? I feel like it could help others who are dealing with bumblefoot, but it's labeled as respiratory since that is what I originally thought I was dealing with.

 

[chickens really]

First off Chickens can not digest dairy so yogurt is causing her the poops...A sick bird needs water more than feed and a warm place...Yes, stress from cold can bring out hidden disease the flock carries as Chickens carry many diseases...

 

[RRLaney]

First off Chickens can not digest dairy so yogurt is causing her the poops...A sick bird needs water more than feed and a warm place...Yes, stress from cold can bring out hidden disease the flock carries as Chickens carry many diseases...

Ohh, good to know. I've always read it's good to give them yogurt. But Jenna has not eaten any yogurt today or very recently so I'm not sure that's what is causing the watery poop. It was mostly clear liquid.

She has access to water, but hasn't been drinking. I am going to try and drip water onto her beak with a syringe to see if she'll drink some.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Hello RRlaney,

I know what you mean, if ain't one thing it's another. But, this is the reality of keeping chickens. They are subject to many dangers and illnesses, just by their nature. But if you pump up their immune systems with probiotics and herbs, they will be able to fight off many things on their own.

Your girl may indeed have an upper respiratory infection,how many symptoms does she have? Is she wheezing, sneezing, mucous discharge from nostrils?

I would also, like to know if her ear lobe is usually white like it appears in the first photo? It's important...because if she has a fungal/yeast infection, and not a URI; antibiotics can make things worse.

Swelling under the eyes can be from either condition also.

Do a close exam on her, and write down any symptoms or suspicious things you notice.
Then, the posters here on BYC will be able to do a more accurate diagnosis.

It's is good that she is isolated.

God Bless!

 

[chickens really]

Aspiration can happen...Get her warmed up in a crate inside your house for a few hours...You can buy probiotics at pet stores for parrots it's better than yogurt...Once a Bird shows symptoms of illness it means they are really sick....I Cull sick birds....