My chicken is Gasping!

Respiratory infections will spread quickly and can make an entire coop sick within a couple of days. Luckily, there are treatment options for sick poultry.

CRD, caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma gallisepticum, is the most commonly found illness in wheezing birds. They may spit up mucus and it may contain blood. They will be less active and it is easy to tell they don't feel good. It IS contagious and all birds should be treated while birds showing symptoms should be isolated.

You can treat CRD with:Broad-spectrum antibiotics

• –mycin and –cycline drugs

• Aureomycin (chlortetracycline)

• Terramycin (oxytetracycline)

• Gallimycin (erythromycin)

• Duravet

Following antibiotics with probiotics is generally a good idea. It is best to supplement the rest of your birds with medicated feed even when they appear to be healthy. CRD does not always cause symptoms, but they will make other birds sick.

Chlamydia psittaci or Mycotic Pneumonia can also present themselves in healthy flocks. These illnesses require similar treatments.

Aspergillosis is the illness commonly found specifically in chickens, guineas, and turkeys. Symptoms include:

• Respiratory distress

• Wheezing

• Dyspnea (not receiving correct air volume/ gasping)

• FeverInappetence

• Emaciation (becoming thin and weak)

• Sometimes neurologic symptoms such as shaking.

• Sometimes, an ocular form such as mycotic keratitis can present in the canthus or inner corners of the eyes resulting in cloudy eyes or gunk in the corners.

Pneumonia can cause a high mortality rate in chicks and young pullets/cockerels. It is best to take precautions before hatching or introducing young chicks to the flock for the first time. When your chickens develop any respiratory disease, remember to change the water and wash the water tubs with soap, scoop out nesting boxes and shavings and replace them, and isolate any sick birds to help prevent it from spreading. Wait 2 weeks after a sick bird is healthy to introduce back into the flock. Make sure to wash your hands when handling and avoid touching human infants or other pets without sanitizing your hands.