KatieB Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Hi, I have a poorly hen - Maude is 3 years old and in the middle of a full moult! Yes she started moulting as the snow starting falling 2 weeks ago. I noticed tonight when I shut them in that she has started wheezing. I have 3 hens, they have a snug henhouse, plenty of straw, I have put a double layer of bubblewrap to the outside roof to increase insulation, the house still has ventilation. I give them pellets, warm mash and veg/fruit every morning, they have bread and/or veg at lunchtime and are in bed by the time I get home at night. Maude starts the night in the nest box but moves to a perch on her own at some point during the night. Any suggestions how I can help her get through her moult, treat her wheezing and keep her warm in this cold weather. I don't want to separate her from the others for obvious reasons. Maude is top hen in my little flock. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 It sounds like it could possibly be a chest infection, I think it is worth bringing her in to the warm at night at least and getting to the vets for some antibiotics I know thats probably not what you wanted to hear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I agree with Tasha, keeping her warm is key. Also you cannot be too careful with wheezing - could be early signs of respiratory infection so getting some Baytril from the vet will nip it in the bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I agree with everyone else. Bring her in and then take her to the vet for some Baytril. Once you can hear them wheezing they are quite bad. Also don't be surprised if it takes more than one course to clear it up - but if you catch it in time they do make a full recovery. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 yes definately here to agree with everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I agree, keep her warm and as she is wheezing, she needs to be seen by a vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieB Posted January 8, 2010 Author Share Posted January 8, 2010 Thank you all. I will bring her in. Would you put her back out in the day or just keep her in and separated from the others until she is better. I am worried that if she is warm in the house at night then the shock of the coldness of the days won't do her any good either. Sorry to be so inexperienced about this. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 If she has a respiratory infection she can pass it to the others, so guess you are best keeping her seperated at the moment until the antibiotics work and I would keep her in with this bitter weather. Hope she picks up soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
