sneezing and coughing with no drop in egg production

[MustangChick]

I have a hen, approx 3 old, who has been sneezing and coughing with rattling breathing for about a week. I've been giving her oxytetracycline for 4 days and the labored breathing has, at last, showed signs of easing, thank goodness. But she's still sneezing up a storm. I'm assuming it's infectious bronchitis, but there's no avian vet in this area to take her to. She's eating really well and laying daily. Does anyone know if this could actually be bronchitis? And, if so, how long do I have to keep her away from the rest of the flock (in my bathtub

)?

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you added any new birds lately? Bronchitis can last 4-5 weeks, and usually involves sneezing and a slight runny nose. MG can look like infectious bronchitis, as well as other diseases. To make sure of what you are treating I would contact your state vet or local dept of agriculture to ask how to get a test. Usually IB spreads through the whole flock quickly. MG can make your flock carriers for life.

 

[MustangChick]

Haven't added any new birds. I guess I'm going to have to find someone to test her-I've called around with no luck so far

 

[dawg53]

Another thing to consider would be some type of environmental issue or fungal problem.

 

[MustangChick]

Something to consider. We live in Oklahoma. It rained here for about 6 weeks and things got real marshy in the back half of the acreage. This is our most adventurous chicken and there was some standing, stagnant, water where she was catching mosquitoes. She may have drunk some of it. No telling what she got into back there

 

[Eggcessive]

As Dawg53 said fungus or mold could be a problem, and chickens can be sensitive to things in the environment. Here is a lab in OK that does testing, and you can call to see what you have to do: Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Oklahoma State Univ.,College of Vet. Med. Farm & Ridge Road Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078 Phone: 405-744-8808 Fax 405-744-8612

 

[MustangChick]

Awesome! Thanks so much

 

[hannah311189]

Just wanted to say when I first started with chickens, my cockeral came down with an upper respiratory infection/cold ,he was sneezing, coughing, rattling, with bubbly eyes and a runny nose and I administered once a day Penicillin and that really helped him a lot. Not sure if that helps any but food for thought.