lovebugette Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 One of my ex-battery hens (released in June this year) has been sneezing and gurgling like a 1970's coffee percolator! I took her immediately to the vets and was prescribed Baytril last Tuesday. The vet had only just graduated (my normal chicken vet was off that day ) and she admitted she wasn't sure what was wrong with her and to see how the Baytril went and to pop back a week later. In the meantime I have segregated her and been throwing her eggs away but regret that the sneezing, running nose and gurgling has not improved. Not sure if she has Myco as there are no bubbles in the eyes, although her breath smells a bit "deathly" so maybe that's a clue. I'd noticed worms in her poo so am worming her this week too. She's eating as normal, trying (and managing ) to escape from her confine and generally looking completely normal. Can anyone offer any guidance on what it could be? Many thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Well it could be myco. If you see bubbly eyes that is a really good clue and you should ask your vet to prescribe tylan; which is the best AB against myco. If there is no change once the course has finished, or if she deteriorates then take her back, loud gurgly breathing is not a good sign I'm afraid but its very encouraging she is still eating well and behaving normally. Myco-bound birds generally mope about so it could be another form of respiratory disease. They are pretty common. Stinky breath can also be a sign of sour crop - check its full at night and empty in the morning. If its soft and squidgy in the morning, a bit like a watery balloon, then it could be sour crop. There will be other threads on this, but I massage the crop upwards for a good 15 mins, tip the bird up and often a stinky liquid will come out through the beak. I then offer probiotic yogurt - either neat or mixed in with sloppy food. You can repeat for 2-3 days if necessary. Personally, I probably wouldn't worm whilst giving ABs. I can see your reasoning but 2 lots of treatment could be a lot for her system. I'd do the ABs first, then the wormer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Infectious coryza is a respiratory infection associated with a nasty smell. Can't remember if baytril or tylan is better for it. Is her face swollen at all? Can you email your regular chicken vet for advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Chickens with myco can get what is described as 'Darth Vader' breathing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohcarolina Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 A couple of weeks ago my Betty was hunched and gloomy & sounded much the same and the vet advised it was 'probably' Myco. A course of antibiotics later (I was worming at the same time - nightmare) and she's as right as ninepence . She didn't seem to be getting better until the end of the antibiotics so fingers crossed for you. All the best Caroline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
