Trouble with Chickens Drinking Water with Tetracycline Powder

[DenverChicks]

Hi,
I have 3 sick chicks on tetracycline powder, but I am worried they are not consuming enough of the water for it to have an effect. Are there any recommendations of another way to get them to ingest it? I know it is water soluble, so possibly mix it with water and then put it in some yogurt? Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. When chickens are sick from most any disease, but especially respiratory diseases, they may not drink a normal amount of water. Some try adding a little flavoring, such as substituting a little cranberry juice or red jello water for the water in the mix. Tylan 50 injectable is a good alternative. It can be given orally (as well as by injection) and the dosage is given twice a day for 3-5 days. Depending on weight and size give 1/4 ml for chicks and bantams, 1/2 ml for up to 5 pound regular chicken, and 1 ml for over 5 pounds. What symptoms are you seeing, how old are they, and where did they come from? Here is a good link to read about common diseases, including infectious bronchitis, mycoplasma, coryza, aspergillosis, and ILT: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[annaBsChick]

What disease are you trying to treat? Here is a link to a site which provides excellent information on chicken diseases and provides a symptom checker, which is really quite useful for narrowing down the possibilities - http://www.poultrydvm.com/