The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: ricardodba on October 11, 2015, 03:10:13 pm

Title: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: ricardodba on October 11, 2015, 03:10:13 pm

Hi,

my white star hen sounds like she is bunged up...sounds like shes sniffing as if has a cold...

She is eating, roaming and laying as normal...

Does anyone know what it could be and if it needs treating?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: waterbuffalofarmer on October 11, 2015, 04:02:23 pm

What bedding do you use? Would this help?
http://www.widgits.co.uk/Poultry_Heathcare_and_Questions.html (http://www.widgits.co.uk/Poultry_Heathcare_and_Questions.html)

Title: Re: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: ricardodba on October 11, 2015, 04:06:34 pm

just moved from straw to wood chippings...started when was using straw.

have started to put citricidal into drinking water...im hoping this will help clear it up.

Thanks for the link  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: Marches Farmer on October 11, 2015, 04:09:11 pm

Could be mycoplasma.  Your vet should be able to give you an antibiotic.  I'd advise separating her from the others for a while (myco is highly contagious) and can often lead to secondary infections.  Stress such as moulting, high temparture or humidity, overcrowding or poor ventilation can make chickens susceptible.

Title: Re: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: Ryder on October 11, 2015, 08:07:51 pm

Does sound like mycoplasma.

When some of my birds got mycoplasma, I tried a few different things including antibiotics.  I found what works best is raw apple cider vinegar with the mother.  It basically clears the sinuses so they can breathe much easier.

Also make sure they have plenty of ventilation in the coop overnight for easier breathing.

Title: Re: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: ricardodba on October 11, 2015, 09:03:07 pm

does anyone know if Citricidal will help?

Title: Re: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: mojocafa on October 12, 2015, 07:17:17 am

Phone vet and ask for some Tylan ,  if it is myco this will help clear it.

Title: Re: Hen sounds like has a cold & bunged up
Post by: Stereo on October 12, 2015, 02:15:21 pm

If it is Myco, I don't think you can clear it but you might treat any illness brought on from the myco. This time of year is hard on the birds. Moult loses them loads of energy and the days are colder. Sniffles are common, just like with humans.
This is the time of year when the odd healthy looking hen will drop dead at a moment's notice while others will sniffle through it. We use Cider Vinegar to good effect. Seems to gradually clear up most sniffles.