URI

[byrd95]

Recommendations for URI in my chickens?

I lost my silkie roo last night to URI. I separated him from everyone. I didn't realize this is what he had until it was too late. Everyone else seems okay but I will keep an eye on everyone. I went to buy vetrx and la 200 from Tractor Supply but when I got back to my silkie roo it was just too late. He passed away as soon as I got to him. I don't want to see anyone else in my flock go through what he did. Like I said no one else is showing symptoms but is there anything I can do to help prevent them getting like he did? Also what might be some EARLY symptoms to look for? I've been at work but my husband cleaned out their coop and sprayed everything down with disinfectant and put fresh bedding down. Please let me know your suggestions. TIA!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

So sorry about your rooster. Unfortunately many respiratory infections are viral. Some chickens are carriers and suppress it well, others are unable to suppress it. If the case is viral, the best you can do is treat the symptoms and hope for the best. If it's bacterial, an antibiotic would be affective. I don't know what antibiotic to recommend as I am fortunate to have a vet handy.

I also think coop management can play a roll in terms of preventative measures. Even though my coop had good ventilation, my chicken got a probable bacterial respiratory infection whenever I was attempting deep litter composting. Long story short my coop was stinky and hot and could have contributed to the infection. Cleaning and putting VetRX in their water or around their nose is about the only preventative measure you can take. That, and practicing good biosecurity if you go around other chicken keeper's flocks. I now scoop poop daily so the coop is always clean and smells good.

 

[byrd95]

Thank you so much for your post. I will definitely be watching everyone closely. So far so good. I did put some vetrx on their nose and also a tiny drop under each wing. They've all been acting okay. I have electrolytes in their water currently but haven't put the vetrx in it. Maybe I should do that but since no one has had symptoms I just haven't been. Their stool seems kind of loose but I wasn't sure if that's from them drinking a lot or not. it's not red or anything so I tried not to worry about it.