we spoke last nite a bit in chat ... unfortunately there is a HUGE time gap between the USA and me (holland) and to be perfectly honest with you I am not at my best (clear headed) at three a.m.
You have a pm with the info we discussed... HOWEVER please do not interpret that as a recommendation from me to use the meds and such in the info I sent... I know this is not what you are wanting to hear, but even today after some sleep and reading carefully through this post, I cannot offer up advice on a particular treatment with any thing even resembling certainty in this instance.
One thing I can say though is that I think your bird is dehydrated. I am glad you have moved the bird to a warmer place as this will ease its burden by not having to use resources to keep warm. Please note that ill birds (particularly with respiratory distress) should have a humidity of at LEAST 70%... protect from DRAFT...
With panting/gasping, birds have a physiological responce of acidosis and NEED
electrolytes (
it should also be at a lukewarm temperature) until you get the dehydration sorted out your bird will remain unable to properly process nutrition (and meds)... a "bit of salt and sugar"is insufficient IMHO here so you need a
proper electrolyte really and I suggest you get a commercial brand (look at your feed sotre for DURVET > dosage:
(source: DURVET)
http://p098.ezboard.com/fbackyardchickensfrm30.showMessage?topicID=113.topic
If you have the 4 oz. packet of Vitamins and Electrolytes then you would mix ½ teaspoon into 1 gallon of water.
If you have the 8 oz. packet of Vitamins and Electrolytes then you would mix ¾ teaspoon into 1 gallon of water "
If you absolutely cannot find a proper commercial electrolyte (and remember you also have the option of subcutaneous admin of RINGERS solution if you can get that from a vet or other source) then here is an emergency "recipe" to make yourself but you MUST not delete or substitute any of the ingredients (for instance substitute glucose/cornsyrup with table sugar) here it is:
From "Practical Wildlife Care" by Les Stocker:
It is possible to mix your own equivalent oral rehydrating salts by using the following ingredients:
7g sodium chloride (NaCl, common salt)
5g sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
3g potassium chloride (commonly called "Muriate of Potash". Salt substitutes contain mostly potassium chloride)
40g glucose (a common source is corn syrup)
2 litres water
The solution must be mixed thoroughly and discarded after 24 hours..."
Rehydrating your bird is the first step to getting her better... after rehydration and some nutrition (we discussed the handfeeding formula) then you can decide on whether or not to give the TYLAN as per the article I sent in pm. :aww
I am so sorry I was unable to help you earlier but when I am so unsure myself I hesitate to give any advice... I am also wondering if instead of a respiratory illness it may perhaps be aspergillosis or other mycotoxin... wet bedding perhaps or a forgotten moldy grain? This has also the same symptoms you are describing and is the reason I hesitated on posting advice since you said you were going to treat as if for gapeworm and it may have been that too.
Please remember to give the electrolytes (and handfeeding formula) at a lukewarm temp
