Chicken boarders

[Janina Butterworth]

Only had the girls for a week, they seem to be settling in fine, had them free ranging in the garden at the weekend. Put them to bed ok last night but when Ariadne (Speckledy) woke this morning she doesn't quite seem herself.

 

She normal goes straight for the food and paces up and down rather proudly being a bit vocal. This morning she was more slow, shaking her head a lot with mucus coming from her nose, scratching her ears. She shook her head so much that her legs went under. So we picked her up to have a closer look and she also had bubbles in her eyes. I've looked these symptoms up and some resemble mycoplasma but she isn't raspy. She was holding her beak open with her head stretched for a while but no noisy chest.

 

Do they get these symptoms when they have a cold too? Do I have to take her to the vet?

 

I'm most worried, I've just got used to them being about and now this!

[karlotta]

Bubbly eyes is classic myco. I'd recommend getting her to the vet. Don't worry too much though, it's common for illnesses to crop up when they've been stressed by a move.

[sandyhas3chucks]

Personally I would be in panic and on phone at 8.30 to vets.

Respiratory infections can be so nasty with chooks but "can" respond really well with antibiotics.

Yes don't wait,

[Janina Butterworth]

We have spoken to the lady who we bought the girls from, she is a reputable source and thinks it is just a cold as Ariadne has been fully vaccinated.

 

I've added some garlic to their water, the bubbles in her eyes seem to have gone. She also went in the eglu and laid her first egg about lunchtime! She was very vocal after that and strutted for quite some time. Not seen her eat any pellets as yet but she did have some mealworms from my hand.

 

I think I might refrain from going to the vet as its been a very strange day. I shall keep an eye on her today and tomorrow and see if the bubbles come back.

[sandyhas3chucks]

keep eye on mucus discharge too

[Tutti Frutti]

If she sleeps a lot, seems lethargic, or her tail droops down - I'd say it's time for the vets. While girls can bounce back from many things, respiratory infections can take hold rapidly and soon be fatal if not treated promptly. Good luck, hope she's better soon

[Janina Butterworth]

She's been more like herself this afternoon, finally saw her eat some pellets and shes been scratching about and foraging.

 

I'll keep an eye on the mucus, I haven't seen anymore since this morning. Her bocking seems a bit croaky though.

 

I'm still a bit worried and will have to wait to see what she is like in the morning. I hope that the knot in my stomach will go away too, I doubt I'll be sleeping well tonight!