URI Hen Needs TLC, But I Have Chicks Inside!

[Wilkinsbird]

I have a bit of a conundrum. I just brought in a coughing, wheezy hen (Marble is her name) and put her in my shower on a towel after giving her some nutridrench and VetRX. It’s nice and warm and I have the light off. She’s really not that sick; she doesn’t hack and wheeze and have bubbles blowing out her nose all day. Yet, as we all know, she could get bad.

My problem is that I bought 4 chicks on Sunday. I’m terrified of her illness infecting my new babies. One is already runty, and would have a very low chance of survival.

What are my options here? How do I minimize the chance of infection affecting my babies? I can’t do a whole lot about airborne pathogens. I can wash my hands and arms, use antibacterial wipes, and not wear the same clothes around the babies. That’s about it, right?

What would you do in this situation?

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you ever seen any respiratory symptoms in others before? Have you added any new birds from another place recently (besides a hatchery?) Chickens have respiratory diseases, and they can be caused by viruses (infectious bronchitis, ILT,) bacteria (MG, coryza,) or fungus (mold.) Most of those except for fungal diseases are contagious, and make carriers of survivors. Your other chickens have probably been already exposed at the same time she was, so I would move her out with the rest if possible, so that it won’t be as easy to spread between her and the new chicks.

Antibiotics might be helpful if she has MG or coryza. MG symptoms include bubbles or foam in an eye, swelling around a face or eye, sneezing, and others. Coryza symptoms are thick nasal drainage, pus in an eye with swelling, coughing, a bad odor, and worse symptoms.

 

[Wilkinsbird]

No new birds besides the babes. And yes, others have exhibited symptoms occasionally but never get worryingly sick. The closest was Gertie, whom I kept inside a couple days over some sneezing I thought was excessive. There’s a sneeze going around for sure right now. They have a clean, dry coop and no dust hazards to my knowledge.

As for symptoms, she's got a sneeze, cough, wheezing/gasping after her coughing fit this afternoon, and a little wetness around her nostrils. No real discharge or swelling to be seen. Shes very perky and has a good appetite. She likes to snack when I visit.

I must admit that I have generalized anxiety disorder and can get worked up over literally anything. My chickens mean a lot to me and it would be gut wrenching to think I didn’t do everything I could for them if they got really sick.

I think I’ll put her back outside and keep an eye on her, maybe have a waterer available with nutridrench. The general “cold” symptoms seemed to subside for a while when I had that out. It was just a pain to unfreeze in the morning!

Thank you for your words of wisdom. It looks like helping folks out is a bit of a habit for you . Swooping in to save the day!

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like possible infectious bronchitis if sneezing is the main symptom, and others had had it. Sometimes it can cause wrinkled egg shells, shell-less eggs, and watery whites. It usually lasts about a month. It can affect young chickens a little more seriously. Hopefully, she will get over this without anything serious or secondary infections. Good luck.