deb68 Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 I am a newby to taking care of chickens, I have 4 girls, we waited a few months for them to lay. They now lay between 2-5 each day. They seem to be coughing and rattling in their throat. I give them cider vinegar. One seems to stop and another starts. They seem to be passing it around. Any ideas on what I can do. I have ordered the tonic and citracidel. Do I need to separate them? i dont have anything to put them in if so.....Help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 If there is coughing and rattling I would see a vet/speak to a vet really. Could be respiratory infection that needs antibiotics. Baytril or Tylan is usually given by a vet to clear it up. Tylan is normally in powdered form - this way you could dose the whole flock in their water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I would do as Chelsea suggests - it sounds like they have got a respitory infection and antibiotics are really the best way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I agree with the others. Any rattling and you should take them to a vet. usually a vet will see one of your flock and prescribe for all of them. An soluble antibiotic will treat them best. Just add it to their drinking water. Hope they are all better soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 me too, VET and i AM NOT a rush to the vet for anthing type of person Not saying anyone else IS, just making a point the above are all experienced to be listened to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Deb, I had the same problem with a couple of my girls last autumn and took one into my (useless) vet. I told her that I thought some Baytril would clear things up so got a big bottle and dosed their water everyday with it. The cough and rattle cleared up really quickly and she soon perked up so hope that its something as simple as this to cure. Good luck hope it goes well for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deb68 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 I took one to the vets, they gave me Baytril, as you guys said and my girls are much better. They gave me enough powder to medicate 1000 chickens, but the good news was that I didnt have to discard their eggs. The antibiotics were safe to use for layers. Ta for the help I am a newby to taking care of chickens, I have 4 girls, we waited a few months for them to lay. They now lay between 2-5 each day. They seem to be coughing and rattling in their throat. I give them cider vinegar. One seems to stop and another starts. They seem to be passing it around. Any ideas on what I can do. I have ordered the tonic and citracidel. Do I need to separate them? i dont have anything to put them in if so.....Help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 I took one to the vets, they gave me Baytril, as you guys said and my girls are much better. They gave me enough powder to medicate 1000 chickens, but the good news was that I didnt have to discard their eggs. The antibiotics were safe to use for layers. Ta for the help I'm not sure that this info is correct. There is normally a withdrawal period. The advice seems to very from vet to vet, (from 7 days to 6 weeks) as the drug isn't tested for use on laying hens. I'd be inclined to check again to be on the safe side. From the Baytril website: Meat and eggs must be withheld from human consumption until residues are depleted below the tolerance limits set by the authorities. Comply with the approved dosage regimens and withdrawal times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
