Sudden changes in weather in Maine with cold snaps below zero one week and heavy rain the next can take a toll on flocks. A few days back five pullets came down ill. The first sign of a heath issue was lethargic behavior, loss of interest in hopping around, no beating each other to the kitchen scraps, and holding their wings slack so they hung a bit lower than usual.
Having 50+ chickens I took action fast. I separated the six juvenile pullets with “off” behavior immediately and added vitamin and electrolyte supplements to their water. The following day they had labored, wheezy sounding breathing and occasional sneezing. This is indicidive of an upper respiratory infection We treated each pullet with Tylan 50 injections. A day later two had puffy eyes and one was acting lethargic. All are doing better but one.
I have an older hen who was housed with them at the time of the first signs of sickness who has been laying over them, tucking them under here and never leaving them for a second. She is completely unrelated to these pullets who are easily more than half her size. It’s the best thing EVER. As a precautionary strike, I have treated all water sources for all other birds, including waterfowl to prevent or treat early for any undetected cases.
On of my beloved White Laced Buff Polish hens began sneezing two days after the pullets had. By that night, and one Polish rooster was wheezing heavily. We injected with Tylan 50 immediately and segregated the new patents to sick-bay (our garage) with the others. They were switched to chick starter and given probiotics and a vitamin/mineral supplements.
Upon waking up we had lost a few chicks that had been in our house and strategically kept completely away from all others, we cleaned hands to our elbows, changed clothing and had no contact between the ill birds. None-the-less they died overnight. The remainder were all moved to a new brooder and given treated water. This is all of course in the midst of a nor’easter and between many, many other responsibilities which come with farm life. Send good thoughts, and keep an eye on your flocks folks.