Snotty nose and watery eyes.

[firedawg1]

Good morning, I have a new flock and the last couple days I lost one hen to a rapid illness. Two other of my girls have runny nose along with watery eyes. The one that died did not show these symptoms. She became lethargic and rapidly went downhill. Not all are laying yet so I didn't want to take chances on anything spreading so I'm treating all with antibiotic, probiotics and electrolytes for 10 days. Today will be day 2 on medicine. I'd rather lose eggs than any more hens. Besides that they are acting normal, energy and eating and drinking. Any further advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

There are quite a few respiratory illnesses in chickens, the common ones seen in the US being mycoplasma (MG,) infectious bronchitis, ILT, coryza, and aspergillosis. Testing by your local extension service, or having a necropsy done on a refrigerated body by your state vet could identify the illness. Secondary infections are common. Antibiotics such as Tylan, oxytetracycline, sulfa, and erythromycin are sometimes used to treat them. Most diseases can make your flock carriers for life, which can infect any new chickens, so closing your flock is wise. Here is a good link to read about those and other common diseases: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[firedawg1]

Thank you so much for the reply. I'm just wondering if this all stemmed from the move to a new home? Only a 2 hour move in north GA. The flock they came from are healthy. I'll keep a close eye on them and do some reading. Thanks

 

[cornfedhogedito]

Stress brings it out! I have lost 3 birds in 30 days all had MG. 2 Silkies had MS, RIR had MG and a lot of other stuff but died from E-coli. She went from 1st noticing she was sick to dead in less than 24 hours. They hid sickness very well till its almost too late.

Good luck

 

[Eggcessive]

Thank you so much for the reply. I'm just wondering if this all stemmed from the move to a new home? Only a 2 hour move in north GA. The flock they came from are healthy. I'll keep a close eye on them and do some reading. Thanks

Stress can bring out illness. Are there many chicken or poultry farms in your area? Testing is available through local extension agents or by calling your state vet with questions. I would rather know exactly what I was treating, since medications can differ with each disease. Some are viruses or fungi which don't respond to antibiotics. Secondary infections also can complicate a mild illness.

 

[firedawg1]

No poultry farms too close by but some backyard farmers here and there. I'm just Hoping everyone pulls through fine. I'm thinking the move along with new territory. Taking a day at a time and keeping close watch.