Chicken sneezing and beak open

[BeenBeta]

I look after my landlord's chickens and just noticed one hen is sneezing, beak wide open, comb is very light pink and a bit scabby, looks generally down. She is usually the boss hen so pretty much runs the show but now stood back from the rest. She does not look well at all, not even scratching among weeds I threw in.

I am guessing respiratory infection rather than old age. She is not that old. I let the landlord know but not sure on best course of treament or if it will spread to the others.

Any suggestions very welcome. Am hoping she makes it through the night so we can get some antibiotics into her tomorrow.

does sound respiratory.

If it's viral the ones who are going to get it probably already have. The vet is probably your best bet, try and find one who knows a bit about birds. Sounds daft but last time I went, the vet had never treated a chuck before, and had to go get his friend who knew about parrots!

Have you put dusty hay or straw in the coop? I did and had the same, now fine though

Thank you all for your answers.

I cleaned them out 2 week ago an dput teh usual shavings in the run. Its been damp in the run with the rain so no dust. I thought it might be viral so antibiotics would not work.

Just been looking at her. She is walking about and not stood with her beak open. She looks a bit rough stil though. Hopefully she will recover.

I cannot really think of anything further to do except let her get over a virus.

It can be worth adding apple cider vinegar or a poultry tonic to the water as a boost to the immune system. If you pick her up, is her breath foul? Any bubbling at the eyes? If you put your ear to her back, is she wheezing?

She was wheezing badly last night and sneezing every 30 seconds. Her comb is very light coloured and scabby but at least her beak is not now open.

I dont want to distress her. They are not used to being handled but will talk to the landlord who is the owner. I have some cider vinegar and a supplement does sound good.

Definitely respiratory. The landlord should get them a broad spectrum antibiotic (baytril/tylan). If one has it, they'll all have it.

Great. I will give him the names of those antibiotics and sugest some kind of food supplement.

Thanks all. I knew there would be just the advice I needed on here.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good worming too as I am not sure they have been done in a while?

Just wish they were properly my chickens. they would not be kept the way they are.

Flubenvet is the best wormer (no egg withdrawal). You can order it online. You sound like a much better keeper than your landlord Any chance you can take them over?

Thanks. I need to make notes on this thread.

I sort of got stuck with the chickens. I am a bit like a race horse trainer for them but not the actual owner. The owner (my landlord) comes round to feed them and collect eggs every day but nothing more. I am the only one that mucks them out and lets them out of their run and delouses them and mends the fence and kills the rats and gives them greens and digs their run and ... well the list goes on.

Lucky chickens to have you to care for them. Your landlord sounds like a bit of an arse, tbh. Hope your girl gets better soon

have you checked to see if her crop is full or empty ? And have you seen her drink anything ?

I would take her to a vet - preferably an avian vet.

Interesting about eating and drinking. I have not see her do that. I should have thrown her some nice lettuce which she likes. She does seem a little better today. Stood nearer the others and with her beak closed but still shaking her head like it is full of phlegm.

My landlod promised to get some antibiotics today but didn't.