Tetracycline

[Chick_a_dee]

I stopped by the co-op today to get some antibiotics for the first aid kit, and they had water soluable Tetracycline. Can I give some of this to my injured hen to ward off any infection? It says on the package not to give to laying hens, she's not laying YET.

Any help would be great!

 

[a2ms4chickens]

What kind of injury does she have?

I would not give her antibiotics unless she is showing signs of infection. If there is a wound, I would treat it with antibiotic cream first.

Just my opinion.

Good luck!

 

[Indiana hens]

I take Tetracycline for hair follicle infections ; when needed. It is a milder antibiotic. If it makes them sterile let me know! LOL!!

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Quote:
Her earlobe was pecked off/hanging by one of the other chickens in a pecking order scuffle. I've put neosporin on it but I thought I'd get some Tetracycline just in case.

 

[mirecipes]

I used "terra vet" oxytetracycline HCI powder on a hen that got hurt by a hawk last spring, I also used neosporin on her..
She is just fine these days and does lay

About a half hour ago I gave the same "terra vet" to my rooster who was injured Sunday by my dog (argh!!!)

He won't let me look at the spot..I don't want to traumatize him by trying too hard..
But I can see that the feathers are still wet there and I can smell the blood..

I figured I should just to be on the safe side..
He wasn't limping yesterday, but he is a bit today

I might have my roomate help me later when he gets home so I can see whats going on..
Hmm, actually about dusk would be good cause he gets tired then (the rooster

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Quote:
I was looking for terravet but we can't find it anywhere, but I did notice the tetracycline could be used on chickens, so i bought some just in case (putting it in my first aid kit).

 

[mirecipes]

I should probably say this, just in case someone out there isn't sure..
If you give your chickens oral antibiotics, and later on you decide to ..help them pass on..
You probably shouldn't eat the meat

 

[estpr13]

Antibiotics should only be used when there is an internal bacterial infection. There are risks to using them as a preventative (prophylaxis).

Tetracyclines are not to be used in humans less than 8 years of age as they cause permanent tooth discoloration. Causing gray yellow or brown teeth. Also it causes a decreased growth rate in bones during its use.

More serious is that tetracyclines wipe out the natural flora of the gut and will cause some diarrhea. Depending on the gut flora, and the amount of antibiotic; the diarrhea could be mild to severe requiring electolytes, fluids and protein supplements.

Since most of the bacteria in the gut is friendly/helpful bacteria the chicken would then become seceptible to young chick diseases.

Also bacteria help keep fungus and virus' away. If you have seen a baby with thrush then you have seen a fungus in the absence of bacteria. Adults have all kinds of bacteria in their mouths and never get thrush. Only babies without bacteria. (people on cronic antibiotic use also get thrush)

I would rather loose a chicken than use an internal antibiotic. Topicals are okay.

Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now...

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Quote:
Very informative! I'm going to leave it for now, she appears to be getting better, but I have given her some aspirin water to reduce the pain, as she was shaking her head a bit today suggesting she was irritated by it.