Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Frog39]

Just got our 3 girls last week, p.o.l. Everything has been going well but the columbine has got a cough and a bubbly nose. They have all been eating well and beginning to settle down really well. Today I noticed another hen, black tail, has a runny nose. I phoned the guy we purchased them from - has a good reputation - and he said to bring them straight over for an injection. He said they had mycroplasma! He gave each a Tylan injection. When we got the girls home they have gone downhill. Standing with eyes closed, not eating or drinking, tail drooped down. They look very unhappy and I am wondering if they will make it throughout the night. Anyone give me any advice as to what on earth has happened to them? Thanks in advance

[miller30]

Hi it sounds like they have got stressed with the move and have gone down with myco it can happen if they are as bad as you say I think I would see what they are like in the morning if you still not happy take them back do you have any other birds apart from these? leanne

[Frog39]

Thanks for the reply. No, these are my only hens. If they are stressed should they settle over night?

[Beantree]

It's a bad start to chicken keeping to have a flock carrying Myco. I would return the lot. You can't cure it with Tylan, just prevent secondary infections. They will always be susceptible to flare-ups. Then everything needs to be cleaned before you get replacements.

[gavclojak]

I think the problem you have is that if your birds survive the birds will remain carriers and any stress or lowering of immunity will make them

symptomatic again., it's a bit like chickenpox in humans....always dormant but will show as shingles at times of stress ect, so adding new birds to your flock maybe problematic.

The antibiotic will not cure it it just relieves the symptoms and i think you need a course, if I'm correct not just a one off injection?

The good news is if they get through this then further outbreaks, if they do happen are usually milder than the first and lots remain symptom free.

Lots of omleteers have girls that have gone through similar and lived a long and happy life....fingers crossed for you

 

Edit...me and beantree always reply at the same time!!! And FYI I would ask about returning them

Too

[Frog39]

Thanks everyone. This morning has brought a massive improvement - all have had something to eat and drink. Still a little under the weather but tails are up and they not all huddled together in a corner. Will keep a very close eye on them. I completely understand the advice about returning them but tbh we have grown attached to them already. We are not planning on introducing any others - the 3 are pets only with no plans of them being anything else. The eggs will be an added bonus! Thanks again for the replies, I'll keep you posted.

[thechickenwhisperer]

Just for your info but after a Tylan injections the chickens normally look and feel awful for around 8 hours. They feel hotter and lose interest in eating or moving around. Its just the Tylan that seems to affect them this way.

[Egluntyne]

How is this person qualified to make a diagnosis and administer a medication which requires a vets prescription?

[FeeFee]

Egluntyne, most chicken breeders/suppliers are licensed to administer antibiotics to treat Myco because it's so common in birds who are stressed after being moved but they can only do this to their own birds and on their own premises.

[miller30]

How is this person qualified to make a diagnosis and administer a medication which requires a vets prescription?

 

You don't need vets prescriptions anymore its called the internet and abroad

[Frog39]

Just for your info but after a Tylan injections the chickens normally look and feel awful for around 8 hours. They feel hotter and lose interest in eating or moving around. Its just the Tylan that seems to affect them this way.

 

Thanks for the info! So relieved that they seem to be back to normal