This forum may have saved my hens

[silkiechicken]

I would not be surprised if it was an infection. The cedar doesn't really kill directly, but rather damages the internal linings of the lungs and respiratory system. This damage can kill the bird and "open them up" for infections. I hope she makes it!

 

[CentArk Ruuster]

I've tried all day to find a vet who handles puoltry with no luck. Does anyone have any suggestions on maybe a broad spectrum antibiotic I could give her? She's not eating at all now & drinking very little. I'm afraid that if I don't do something soon, she's gonna die on me. She's got crusty nasal passages, noticed some bubbling in her left eye and the rattle is about the same.

 

[jjthink]

Poor girl. I hope someone with the right remedy comes along any sec she gets the help she needs fast. Your post was last night though - oh dear, I hope she's not worse this morning. JJ

 

[HorseFeathers]

When we have a sick chicken we take her inside and pamper her, its worked like magic so far. (Penny had an impacted crop; we massaged it every few hours, etc.) That way they're warm and not getting picked on either. But I agree, cedar is bad bad BAD! I'm really sorry for your losses, our Barred is the sweetest thing. I would switch to pine, immediatly, but make sure there's no leftover cedar dust because that could probabaly make them sick too. I hope your other birds get better!!! And welcome to BYC!

We learn from our mistakes!

 

[dlhunicorn]

You might try misting with tylan soluable...
You can also try a molasses flush for toxins ...
http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/solutions.html
"...LAXATIVE SOLUTIONS

The following solutions or mixtures are recommended to flush the digestive system of toxic substances, most notably for treating birds exposed to botulism toxins.

Molasses Solution

Add one pint of molasses to 5 gallons of water

Offer the drinking solution free-choice to the affected birds for about four hours. Treat severely affected birds individually if they cannot drink. Return the birds to regular water after the treatment period...."

 

[CentArk Ruuster]

Third pullet is still doing fine, Mother Barred Rock seems slightly better, not quite as much rattle, she jumped down of the porch & pecked around the yard a bit, went a drank some water from a low spot in the yard (for some reason she doesn't want to drink from the tupperware container I have water in for her in the pen) still not really eating though. Going to call the state vet tomorrow to either see if he can examine her or help me find a poultry vet that can.

 

[S0rcy]

The damaged lining in the lungs may have made her susceptible to something and the infection vector was opportunistic enough to grab a good situation. I hope your remaining chickens do well

 

[sammi]

Tylan 50 injectible is usually available at most farm/feed/livestock supply stores or online, and is handy to have around or the Tylan soluble.
Gallimycin (Ery-mycin...erythromycin) is an option.

Oxine might be an option if it's reaction to the cedar.

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/oxine.htm

I think I would change from the tupperware container to a metal or ceramic pet bowl, or the hard plastic poultry waterer.
I think some of these soft plastics give a taste or smell to the water that some animals reject.

 

[ChickadeeLover]

I hope your chickens will be okay good luck!