Upper respiratory tract infection

[Jaime84]

Hey guys!
New to this and just needed some advice and reassurance. I have a plymoth rock chicken 1 year old. Had a crackly chest and cough. Took to the vet..gave her 5 days on antibiotic injections and still wasn't happy she wasn't fully improving so is now on 7 days of oral antibiotics. She is still eating and drinking. It has been 10 days that I took her away from the other chickens and they are all fine. She is still very crackly sounding at night time. Does anyone know how long it takes for that to clear up?

Thanks for any help. Super worried and just want to see her back happy and healthy foraging in the backyard.

 

[Eggcessive]

She may have a respiratory virus, such as infectious bronchitis, which does not respond to antibiotics, and can last for weeks. There are a handful of different respiratory diseases—viral, bacterial, and fungal. I would put her back with the other chickens, since they have already been exposed to her, and probably to the same source she got it from. If she is out of the flock any longer, it may be hard for her to got back without a huge pecking order problem. Make sure that she is drinking well. Here is a lisy of common diseases, including the common respiratory diseases to read about:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Jaime84]

Thanks for your advice. She is still coughing at nighttime and seems quite weak. The weather has gotten alot colder here. Do you still think it would be ok to let her out with the others?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would see if she seems to be cold or shivering. Sick birds may need a little extra heat. If she doesn’t seem to be cold, she could go out with others. Use your judgement whether or not she is ready to go back with the flock. She may need a heat lamp or kept inside longer.

 

[Jaime84]

She is definately not cold at the moment as she has been inside. I guess i could trial her outside today for a few hours and see how she is. Corner her of from the others just in case they want to pick on her. Thanks for getting back to me. It is greatly appreciated I will keep you updated!

 

[Jaime84]

Update on Henrietta. I have put her back with the others and they have reestablished the pecking order. She is still coughing and sounding chesty in her upper airway. Obviously I have exhausted the antibiotics. She's had injections and oral. Is there anything else I can do? She is still eating and drinking and sticking with the others.

 

[Eggcessive]

What antibiotic did the vet prescribe? You may be dealing with a virus. Those can go on for several weeks. The antibiotics may help to prevent a secondary bacterial infection, but they do not cure a virus. Only certain antibiotics may treat MG or other bacterial respiratory issues. Viruses will have to run their course. Hopefully she is still able to eat drink, and be fairly active.