Young pullets are sick? Any ideas what it could be?

[Kyonarai]

I just acquired two delaware pullets and a set of 4 bantam cochins(3 pullets and a rooster) from the same person about a week ago.

I didn't notice at the time, as we were in a hurry, but when I got the two delaware home, I noticed something wrong with them. For one, they stink. None of my other chickens really have a smell, other than smelling like chickens(rather pleasant, if I do say so my self). But these two's feather are dingy and stink, and feel greasy, rather than soft. One of them constantly has a runny nose, and seems underweight, and has some little black spots on the tips of her comb. Both of them have clear eyes and are actively eating, drinking, and foraging when let out to free range.

Well now one of the cochin pullets I got from the same person seems to have come down with the same thing. She has a runny nose, and stuff keeps getting stuck to her nostrils because of it, so she is opening her mouth to breath. Just silently opening it. No rasping or labored breathing I can hear, and she is still walking around and hopping up on things with the others inside their coop, and still foraging in the sprouts I planted in their run, and I saw her drinking water, though she could only drink a little at a time because her nose is plugged. I tried gently removing the debris from her nostrils, but it didn't seem to help; she was still breathing through her mouth.


None of the other three are showing any symptoms, other than that I've noticed a lot of poops that look like the ceacal poops on the poop chart, medium brown instead of black or grey. Some were normally formed, just the wrong color, others were a touch watery.

They've all been eating Dumor Chick grower, and given fresh water every morning.

This was taken a few days ago, for size/age reference. I think they are maybe 8-9 weeks old? They are cochin bantams.

 

[realsis]

Sounds like a respiratory infection. Separate the sick birds from the rest of your flock if you haven't already and I would use tylan50. I've always been successful in using tylan for respiratory Illness. Dose is for small birds 1/4cc large birds 1/2cc given once daily into the breast muscle for 5 days. I like the injectable better than water soulable antibiotic because with injectable the dose is more consistent and not contingent on amount the bird drinks. It also gets into the bloodstream quicker and seems stronger. Tylan50 is the antibiotic tylosin. Its an excellent choice for respiratory infection. Do not worry that the bottle says for cattle and swine. many poultry owners successfully treat their flocks with it including myself. Tylan50 and syringes can be purchased at the feed store and its not very expensive. When I give. my injections i like to wipe the breast area with a small amount of alcohol. This cleans the area and parts the feathers and gives you a clear view of the flesh. Hope this helps and best wishes to you!

 

[Kyonarai]

Injectable....but they're so tiny...Guess I'm just going to have to buck it up and do it though. ugh....

Would it be too much to dropper feed them the water soluble kind?

Is it sad that I've given iv fluids to newborn puppies and do most of my dogs' vet care(including antibiotic shots) at home, but am having trouble with the idea of injecting a chicken? They're just so friendly, I don't want to ruin it, lol.

 

[realsis]

No! For tiny chicks you give ONE TENTH of a cc orally of tylan 50! Do not inject them. And only give one tenth of a cc orally! Hope this clears it up. Best wishes

 

[realsis]

I did not realize they were chicks. Its alright to treat chicks with tylan50 but its best given orally and dosing is different. Only one tenth of a cc is given. Some people do inject chicks but not into the breast like grown chickens into the back of the neck skin however its much easier to just give it orally for five days. God bless hope this helps

 

[Kyonarai]

Oh, that's such a relief. Thank you so much for the advice.

 

[realsis]

Your very welcome! They should respond quite well to the medication. I'm just glad you got my post in time! I was so worried you wouldn't! Keep us posted on how they are doing! Tylan50 always worked very well for me flock. In a few days you should notice some improvements. God bless

 

[Kyonarai]

Although...one more quick question. The older delaware pullet should be getting the higher 'small bird' dose, yes? That one is maybe 12 weeks old and a standard. Fully feathered and everything, though not as big as my older hens. Also, should I go ahead and treat all four of the cochins bantam chicks? They stick very close to each other, so if one is sick the others have definitely been exposed to it.

 

[Kyonarai]

Better size reference pic for the 4 of them.