TJ FARMS

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi everyone,
Sammy my 5 month old pure black orpington roo,started wheezing last night with a cough or sneeze. He is the only one exhibiting it. Today I brought him in the house keeping him covered in a large tub for warmth. Also gave him some probiotic water. His stool is watery though and I have seen No discharge or anything out of the ordinary. What else can I do? Since I've brought him in, he's much more quiet with just a wheeze. Suggestions please Can you take him to a vet?

He could have a respiratory illness. If he continues to wheeze even while at rest, then you may need advanced care. Antibiotics can sometimes treat secondary infections of respiratory illness, but won't cure it. Most illnesses are contagious and he could remain a carrier of the disease even if he improves and symptoms subside.

Make sure he is staying hydrated, if he doesn't seem to want to eat, try wetting his chick starter or grower feed - chickens like wet feed. Offer up a little chopped egg or tuna as well.

Let us know how he is doing.

 

[tjduranfarms]

I started him on vetrx, also added it in his water. I let him loose in my yard for a little while so he can scratch in my garden. My other 2 roos chased him and cornered him and attacked. as soon as he saw me he ran to me for help. I know we're not supposed to interfere but his wheezing started after they attacked. So could it be stress?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I started him on vetrx, also added it in his water. I let him loose in my yard for a little while so he can scratch in my garden. My other 2 roos chased him and cornered him and attacked. as soon as he saw me he ran to me for help. I know we're not supposed to interfere but his wheezing started after they attacked. So could it be stress?

Respiratory illness will be more prevalent when under stress.

I recommend that you keep him separated (quarantined) away from any other chickens until you can determine the cause of the wheezing. In your opening statement you also mention coughing and sneezing. You may want to ask your vet if they do testing. State and independent labs are also available.

List of state labs:
http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

Independent lab can where you can send a throat or mucous swab for testing http://zoologix.com/

 

[tjduranfarms]

Thankyou everyone my Sammy is doing better, his wheezing is getting better and seems to stop when he isn't running around. So he is in a large dog crate inside at night. Someone suggested to give him a dose of Tylan 50 to help fight anything he might have. Also he still has a great appetite he has been eating and drinking just fine. Tracy

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thankyou everyone my Sammy is doing better, his wheezing is getting better and seems to stop when he isn't running around. So he is in a large dog crate inside at night. Someone suggested to give him a dose of Tylan 50 to help fight anything he might have. Also he still has a great appetite he has been eating and drinking just fine. Tracy

Glad to hear he is improving

 

[tjduranfarms]

Thanks Wyorp Rock,
I have another question. I read earlier even if he gets well he will still be a carrier? So that means I can't rehome him, because no one will want him. It would be my responsibility to disclose any prior illnesses, right?
I have another problem. I have 6 pullets ready to join the coop and 2 hens coming from another ranch.
Would I be risking the health of my flock keeping my sick one or would culling him be the wise thing to do?
Please advise. TJFarms

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks Wyorp Rock,
I have another question. I read earlier even if he gets well he will still be a carrier? So that means I can't rehome him, because no one will want him. It would be my responsibility to disclose any prior illnesses, right?
I have another problem. I have 6 pullets ready to join the coop and 2 hens coming from another ranch.
Would I be risking the health of my flock keeping my sick one or would culling him be the wise thing to do?
Please advise. TJFarms

Most respiratory illnesses make the bird a carrier even if he does get well. Testing is the only way to know for sure what illness you are dealing with. You may find re-homing a bird that has been ill difficult, if you do find someone willing to take him FULL DISCLOSURE is the only responsible thing to do.

The 2 hens coming from another ranch, I would quarantine them away from your existing flock. This will allow you to monitor them to see if they may have any illness, mites/lice or worms that could be introduced.

As for culling him, that would be up to you. A lot of people have flocks that have illness, but they keep them closed, following strict bio-security and practicing an all in/all out method. No birds leave the property, so no selling/giving away hatching egg, chicks, started pullets, etc.

I encourage you to do some research/reading about different respiratory illness and how they are spread and if possible send a swab for testing or contact your state lab for advice.


http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/quarantine-of-backyard-chickens-why-and.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2016/08/biosecurity-for-backyard-chickens.html

 

[tjduranfarms]

Ok I have question now that Sammy my roo that's getting over his "cold" when and if he completely recovers will he be a weak bloodline for offspring? He was supposed to be a hen, breeder didn't lift the skirt high enough. Lol And I was looking forward to having a couple offspring from him

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ok I have question now that Sammy my roo that's getting over his "cold" when and if he completely recovers will he be a weak bloodline for offspring? He was supposed to be a hen, breeder didn't lift the skirt high enough. Lol And I was looking forward to having a couple offspring from him

IMHO chickens do not get colds. They get contagious respiratory illnesses. Depending on which illness you are dealing with, it can be passed along to other members of the flock. If you are dealing with Mycoplasma, it's very likely any hens that you house him with and/or breed with him with will contract the illness as well. The hens may never show symptoms, but they are considered carriers. Hens can pass the illness into the egg (embryo) - so technically the illness can be passed along to his offspring. This is why testing is important.

It is up to you to determine what risk(s) you are willing to take. Take time to do some research/reading to make a sound, educated decision.

Here's some reading to get you started:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044
http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/raising-chickens/respiratory-illness-in-chickens/
http://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/201395.pdf