4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[SnowWhite]

My girls have been a bit snuffly lately, a few sneezes here and there but otherwise very lively and eating well. I've been giving them extra garlic, ACV and echinacea with good results.

 

Today, when I was cleaning the cube I noticed that Siggy was blowing a bubble from her nose so it's obviously turned into something more serious. So we're off to the vets at 12:15 today (yes I'm lucky enough to have a vet that has a Sunday surgery!) and I will let you know how we get on. The other girls seem ok, but I am a bit concerned that they may have the same bug.

 

Anyway, I called my vets and asked if they would treat a chicken as I've only taken the cats and bunnies there before. "Errr......yes" came the reply "we'll certainly see what we can do...!" Doesn't exactly fill me with confidence!!!!!!!

[Redwing]

How did you get on?

[SnowWhite]

Well, the vet didn't come across all that confident but she seemed to know enough to do a basic examination and mention a few key things. She doesn't think it is mycoplasma so that is a big relief.

 

The theory is, that is is just a cold virus and she'll get over it in time . There are no signs of underlying infection i.e. Siggy isn't wheezing and appears to be fit and healthy. So I've come away with a 5 day course of Bayril for all eight girls, just in case there are any secondary infections, but it won't treat the cold virus itself.

 

To be honest I'm open to a second opinion. I know that Siggy is not really ill but I'm not sure that the advice I've been given is correct. I don't really want to give the girls Baytril unless I have to. I only have one laying at the moment and I don't want to withdraw my only egg! And, if it won't get rid of the cold itself then is there any point?

 

I've upped the echinacea and Citricidal while I mull this over. Any thoughts/experiences?

[jade&mike]

Duffy my blackrock had the same type of cold 8 weeks ago.

some Poultry Spice in her food and Citricidal in her water, both for at least 1 week really helped clear it up. but dont add too much Citricidal in one go as it is really bitter and puts them off there water.

hope i have helped and good luck.

[SnowWhite]

Thanks. I think I'll continue this natural treatment for a few more days to see how it goes. The vet was reasonable - only £15 for the consultation and prescription- so I'm not worried about that being a wasted journey either.

[smanners]

Wow your vet is cheap! I paid nearly £60 for my girl and that was for a consultation and Baytril for one hen. The next time I needed Baytril I begged for some without a consultation and that cost £8+ (enough for 3 hens!)

My girl started with a snuffle but it quickly went to her chest Antibiotics made all the difference and were a life saver

I would use the Baytril if you notice a decline in eating and drinking as they can deteriorate really quickly if a cold takes hold and goes onto their chest.

I had two with colds who recovered well with just Citricidal in water and three needed antibiotics to get them better. I just think some hens (like humans) are less robust than others.

Good luck with your hen and I hope she gets better soon

[SnowWhite]

Just to let you know how we've got on. I did not give the girls the Baytril in the end and continued with the ACV, echinacea and cast amounts of garlic powder.

 

I'm pleased to say that all the girls seem fit and well and we are getting 5 eggs a day

 

There are a few sneezes now and then but nothing serious. I thought that others might benefit from hearing about this as it shows that the natural remedies can work!

[Mrs AVP]

Hi I have the same problem with my new hen, I am going to give her some citridical today and see what the outcome is. Do you have any more recommendations?

 

Many Thanks

[Mrs AVP]

How mych Baytril should you give to a chicken?

 

Thanks

[SnowWhite]

I suppose it depends on the concentration and the illness but I was told to give Baytril 10% at 1.2 mls daily in drinking water for my 8 girls. In the end, it wasn't necessary.

[Mrs AVP]

Thanks I may try that if she doesn't seem better tmro.

 

Have a happy new year

[mrsallen08]

Hi

I hope your Siggy is feeling a little better. Sorry to pinch your post but had a quick question about mine!

 

Im a bit concerned with one of my hens as she had a poorly eye which didnt look infected or swollen but slightly watery and closed a little. I gently bathed her eye to check their was no damage to her actual eye (wondered if she had been pecked at) but all is fine, no redness or swelling just watery!? I have noticed today that she is a bit snotty too and was sneezing. My smallest bantam has also been sneezing so they are both indoors tonight. Both are feeding and happy and have been free ranging with the rest of the flock today.

 

Do you think the eye and sneezing are separate issues? Im thinking common cold which is why I have isolated them both and keeping them indoors till they recover. If the eye doesn't get any better in a day or two I will consult the vet before the weekend...

 

Any advice???

[sandyhas3chucks]

Thanks I may try that if she doesn't seem better tmro.

 

Have a happy new year

had you already got some baytril then?

[SAB]

I had one that got a wee eye infection along with a cold - cold tea worked a treat as natural anticeptic on the eye (a couple of times per day).

[Mrs AVP]

I do have Baytril, but decided not to use it until a diagnosis was made.

 

Many Thanks