To dose or not to dose for sniffles?

[Albanach]

I have recently got 3 POL hens and one (maybe two) have had sneezing and a small amount of fluid coming from their noses for the past week or so. Now I have read a recent thread regarding antibiotics on Irish Fowl (see here) plus a super bacteria thread ( see here).

Now I'm all for letting the cold run its course but would like some advice from some experienced chicken folk on whether I should dose them with some form of drug or not so opinions please!? I did post the same question on irish fowl.

[polo]

Hi, I would add something like 'respite' to the water for the sniffles. Its chock full of garlic and vitamins. Alternatively you could add a couple of crushed garlic cloves in their water. A cold went through my lot in October and this approach sorted them out.

Just keep an eye out for any hens with a swelling around their face that could indicate mycoplasma which would need antibiotics to treat.

[Suechooks]

Hi, I would add something like 'respite' to the water for the sniffles. Its chock full of garlic and vitamins. Alternatively you could add a couple of crushed garlic cloves in their water. A cold went through my lot in October and this approach sorted them out.

Just keep an eye out for any hens with a swelling around their face that could indicate mycoplasma which would need antibiotics to treat.

Excellent advice

[motherhen]

If you have only just got them I would take them back, you should not be sold birds that have this sort of symptom.
Even if you sort it out for now they can be carriers and it would be better to go back while they are new to you than try and do something later on.
Most responsible breeders will help and if they have something they may be able to give it to you, at least they will know that your birds are not right.
What sort of litter do you use and is the ventilation in your house OK.

[Albanach]

I got them around 3 weeks ago. One of the hens was laying every other day but this has stopped since the weather took a turn last Saturday.

Ventilation should be good, there is a roof vent which runs the length of the apex of the house and the litter tray slides in and out so there should be enough circulation of air throughout the house.

I use wood shavings as litter and clean them out once a week. I've just been out to them and they seem to be happy and are eating away at the garlic I put out for them, the grass and the layers pellets as well. I put 4-5 crushed garlic cloves in their water and they are drinking it as well. It has been incredibly wet here in the last few days which may not have helped?

[RichmondHens]

I agree with Polo's advice, however I also agree with Motherhen - they should really be returned to the breeder. The wet weather would not affect a healthy hen, so my guess is they were probably harbouring something (possibly mycoplasma) which has emerged over the stress of moving.

[petal]

Do you have other chickens besides these 3? Its possible they picked something up from them you see, after 3 weeks. cider vinegar, respite, garlic and keep them warm. If bubbles appear in eye or the face swells I would nip to vet for some tylan.

[Albanach]

I have no other hens other than these three...

[Albanach]

On the subject of ventilation should I consider putting some ventilation lower down in the coop as well as the ventilation in the apex of the roof? There does not look like there is a lot of gaps with the litter tray so would vents/holes lower down provide good circulation or will i just leave it as is?

[Flummery]

I'd not put low down ventilation in. High gaps are ventilation, low gaps are draughts!

[Hilary B]

Best level for ventilation is where it will be above the birds' head when they are resting on the perch (beak level when standing up on the perch is probably tolerable...). You certainly don't want air gaps on 2 sides any lower than that (an open pop-hole, sheltered from direct wind, isn't a problem, unless there is also low-level ventilation from another direction, worst of all, opposite!)

[chris]

Best level for ventilation is where it will be above the birds' head when they are resting on the perch (beak level when standing up on the perch is probably tolerable...). You certainly don't want air gaps on 2 sides any lower than that (an open pop-hole, sheltered from direct wind, isn't a problem, unless there is also low-level ventilation from another direction, worst of all, opposite!)

Hilary can you clarify what you mean by air gaps on 2 sides? I.e. in line of each other? I've a raised roof (i.e. frame that onduline is going to sit on - meaning theres a gap all the way around). Planning on drilling two ~2inch holes maybe 2 inches down from this frame for a bit more air flow (the coop is ~2' tall - going from a 5' tall coop/converted shed). Last thing I want is for it to too stuffy in there.

Pophole will be permanently open, but sheltered from wind.

Thanks

[Hilary B]

Hilary can you clarify what you mean by air gaps on 2 sides? I.e. in line of each other? I've a raised roof (i.e. frame that onduline is going to sit on - meaning theres a gap all the way around). Planning on drilling two ~2inch holes maybe 2 inches down from this frame for a bit more air flow (the coop is ~2' tall - going from a 5' tall coop/converted shed). Last thing I want is for it to too stuffy in there.

Pophole will be permanently open, but sheltered from wind.

Thanks

Holes on 2 sides means exactly that, if they are directly opposite each other, that is about as draughty as it gets, but even if on 2 adjoining sides, it can be pretty draughty, particularly if one of those sides faces the prevailing wind! On opposite sides, but not directly opposite each other comes somewhere in between.
In fact, lots of high level ventilation may PREVENT draughts, as long as the wind isn't blowing directly into any of the gaps.
Remember that if Onduline is supported on a frame, and the bearers are too far apart for the pitch, it will sag (the nearer to flat, the closer the bearers need to be).

[petal]

They have not got sniffles from a draught anyway - take them back.

[Albanach]

Well the chickens are still sneezy but are as lively as ever and enjoyed chasing the man on the ride on lawnmower tonight. Appetites are very good; still putting garlic in the water along with a vitamin supplement much the same as respite. No evidence of swelling around the face and got 3 eggs for the first time this afternoon...I take it this is a good sign of their health.