My rooster just passed away today, his name was Kevin, and I am at a loss as to why. I would like to prevent something like from happening again with some helpful advice from you all. (Sorry it's a little long)
Kevin was about three years old, if that, and had started to show signs of odd behavior maybe two, three months ago. I first noticed his crow was getting raspy, and weak. Not as loud and strong as it normally sounded. His next symptom was sneazing.
At that point I knew that I would need to catch him, which is not easy because he is not the friendliest rooster, so I could administer some medication. I have used VetRX on my hens when they have show similar signs of sickness and have had a lot of success with it.
My husband and I caught Kevin but to our surprise very easily. After we caught him and gently pinned him to the ground Kevin started to act like he was in distress. He was doing a 'gulping' motion like he was having trouble breathing, wouldn't stand up when we let go of him, and looked like he was dying. I gave him the VetRX like I have done with my hens and he slowly started to come back too.
A week later I had not seen any signs of improvement so I gave my flock there worm treatment. It has been raining a lot more than it normally does here in NC so I though maybe it might be worms.
Kevin has cut his comb a couple times over the winter causing it to bleed but I didn't see any signs of infection. He has had an increase in appetite. Normally he will let the hens eat the treats first and then he would eat what was left over from them but I have noticed him pushing the hens out of the way to get to food. And is always near the food container. He also appeared to have drooping wings.
I did loose a hen at the beginning of winter, but she had shown no signs of sickness before passing away. All of my hens now do not appear to be sick.
Other than when I caught Kevin to give him medication I have not observed him to do a 'gulping' motion with his mouth so I don't think it was gape worm...although I could be wrong.
What do you guys think?? Any advice is welcomed.
Kevin was about three years old, if that, and had started to show signs of odd behavior maybe two, three months ago. I first noticed his crow was getting raspy, and weak. Not as loud and strong as it normally sounded. His next symptom was sneazing.
At that point I knew that I would need to catch him, which is not easy because he is not the friendliest rooster, so I could administer some medication. I have used VetRX on my hens when they have show similar signs of sickness and have had a lot of success with it.
My husband and I caught Kevin but to our surprise very easily. After we caught him and gently pinned him to the ground Kevin started to act like he was in distress. He was doing a 'gulping' motion like he was having trouble breathing, wouldn't stand up when we let go of him, and looked like he was dying. I gave him the VetRX like I have done with my hens and he slowly started to come back too.
A week later I had not seen any signs of improvement so I gave my flock there worm treatment. It has been raining a lot more than it normally does here in NC so I though maybe it might be worms.
Kevin has cut his comb a couple times over the winter causing it to bleed but I didn't see any signs of infection. He has had an increase in appetite. Normally he will let the hens eat the treats first and then he would eat what was left over from them but I have noticed him pushing the hens out of the way to get to food. And is always near the food container. He also appeared to have drooping wings.
I did loose a hen at the beginning of winter, but she had shown no signs of sickness before passing away. All of my hens now do not appear to be sick.
Other than when I caught Kevin to give him medication I have not observed him to do a 'gulping' motion with his mouth so I don't think it was gape worm...although I could be wrong.
What do you guys think?? Any advice is welcomed.
