- May 7, 2010
- 2
- 0
- 7
Hello BYC! My husband and I are new to chicken rearing and have had some troubles right off the bat. We recently got our first 3 hens from a local farm here in northern CA. All three hens (1 ameraucana, 1 red sex link, 1 silver laced wyandotte) are about 5-6 months old and we've only had them for a couple of weeks.
On Saturday, one of the hens (SLW) was very lethargic and weak, the left side of her face was swollen, her eye mostly closed, her nose was running (mostly clear, yellow when dried) and she had watery poop. She ate and drank, but small amounts. We didn't know what to do, so we left her alone to sleep. The next day the swelling was reduced somewhat and she was acting normal and energetic - eating, drinking, more normal poop. Her face seemed pretty normal on Thurs and her behavior is normal. However, another of our hens (EE) got a somewhat swollen face and runny nose Tuesday, although her eyes are open and she seems to have a normal energy level. The swelling has reduced today, but a long day at work prevented me from observing much behavior. The third hen may also have a runny nose, though no other symptoms. She has continued to lay eggs. Overall, they seem to be getting over it on their own, but was wondering if this is Infectious Coryza? Do I need to treat them with antibiotics to get rid of it permanently?
Other info: Though they were from the same farm, they were from a larger flock and pecking order establishment was a little too violent for us initially, so they are in the same coop but separated so they are unable to peck each other. We are giving them increasing amounts of time together in our yard with supervision to ease the transition. Only one (the RSL) has laid eggs so far. The only treatment we have given them so far is some Avia Charge in their water for electrolytes. They are eating layer crumble with oyster shells and occasional seeds (sunflower, squash). They sometimes eat grass and clover that they find in the yard. Their bedding is wood shavings (in the coop) and wood shavings/grass clippings in the run.
Thanks for your help!
Jess
On Saturday, one of the hens (SLW) was very lethargic and weak, the left side of her face was swollen, her eye mostly closed, her nose was running (mostly clear, yellow when dried) and she had watery poop. She ate and drank, but small amounts. We didn't know what to do, so we left her alone to sleep. The next day the swelling was reduced somewhat and she was acting normal and energetic - eating, drinking, more normal poop. Her face seemed pretty normal on Thurs and her behavior is normal. However, another of our hens (EE) got a somewhat swollen face and runny nose Tuesday, although her eyes are open and she seems to have a normal energy level. The swelling has reduced today, but a long day at work prevented me from observing much behavior. The third hen may also have a runny nose, though no other symptoms. She has continued to lay eggs. Overall, they seem to be getting over it on their own, but was wondering if this is Infectious Coryza? Do I need to treat them with antibiotics to get rid of it permanently?
Other info: Though they were from the same farm, they were from a larger flock and pecking order establishment was a little too violent for us initially, so they are in the same coop but separated so they are unable to peck each other. We are giving them increasing amounts of time together in our yard with supervision to ease the transition. Only one (the RSL) has laid eggs so far. The only treatment we have given them so far is some Avia Charge in their water for electrolytes. They are eating layer crumble with oyster shells and occasional seeds (sunflower, squash). They sometimes eat grass and clover that they find in the yard. Their bedding is wood shavings (in the coop) and wood shavings/grass clippings in the run.
Thanks for your help!
Jess
