[Chris H]

Just checked the hens and Murial who has been on and off colour for a couple of days, not unusual for her but she is now sneezing and her eyes are watery. She is eating, pooing and drinking fine but looks more sorry for herself than usual. Will take to the vets tomorrow, but should I separate? and if so I can put her in a cat carrier but bit stuck as to where to leave her overnight? kitchen very warm, outside barn cold. Is there anything I could give her? If she has an infection I have to assume the others would already have it?

[chrismahon]

Are they bubbly/ foamy tears in her eyes? As that will be Myco. Comes with being run down and the others may have it but are healthy enough to fight it off. No cure as such apart from good housekeeping and good diet. Having said that we've had sneezy hens before now at this time of year and I wondered if they got 'hayfever', as there were no ill effects at all.

[Fowlman]

Add a slightly crushed clove of garlic to their water. Most flocks will have experienced myco to some degree at some point, as already mentioned healthy birds will fight it off and you will be unaware of it.

[Chris H]

They have cider vinegar in the water and good layers pellets as well as 'treats' feel bad as I thought I was doing a good job How can i help her? she has just polished of scrambled egg with a side order of grape. I thought to keep her with the others tonight as it is mild and they have a nice dry house.
What is Myco, I have brought in three new birds (after a week of separation) could they have brought it in, they are all fine?

[Fowlman]

If you added new birds recently thats the most likely source i'm afraid. Myco = mycoplasmosis/mycoplasma.

[chrismahon]

Tylan is the antibiotic given to assist fighting it. Usually injected twice. We used the oral but Izzy was so down with cankers that it was a lost battle. Best weapon is good health.

If your new hens are pol hybrids Murial may have contracted ILT -the innoculation strain, which starts with sneezing.