The Poultry Keeper

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

My youngest black rock appears to have some yellow dischage from her one nostril - I think she may be a bit sneezy as well (i'm still getting used to the various peculiar noises they make!) - they finished a week of acv a few days ago and I've had them 10 days. Should I be giving her anything as a preventative measure or just see how she goes for the next day or so.

nigel · Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:08 am Post subject:

I've been through the chicken health handbook and i can't see anything with a yellow nasal discharge. If it were me, I'd keep an eye an them, make sure they're eating and drink properly and see if there are any other symptoms behavioural or otherwise.

Sorry I can't be more help

Lisa · Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:44 am Post subject:

Chickens can get colds too.

You say you've only recently got them. Moving to a new home can be stressful for the birds, no matter how carefully we do it or how nice we make their new home. The stress might have lowered her immune system a bit allowing something to flare up?

If she has no other symptoms, and seems otherwise well, I'd just keep a watchful eye on her, and give it time and TLC.

Hope she's back to normal soon.

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

haha God that sounds so familiar. I have a cold at the moment and the other half was telling me the other day he thought he was getting flu!!

crossbill · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 7 Location: hampshire

One of my pekin pullets had a yellow discharge from one of her nostrils, my vet diagnosed a sinus infection. She was given baytril for two weeks as, evidently it can be persistent. It cleared up within a few days. She was not ill in any way, and none of my other hens were affected. Very Happy

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

they all seem a bit coldy - seems to be quite a bit of sneezing. Is there anything I can get 'over the counter' that I can give them all or is it just a case of letting it run its course naturally? I gave them acv for their first week as recommended.

Lisa · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 8:14 am Post subject:

If you are at all concerned about them, then maybe its time for a trip to the vets? The danger is they could get a secondary infection, which might need antibiotics to clear up. But equally, just like us with us, we don't take antibiotics everytime we get a cold. So I'm afraid it comes down to a judgement call, and depends on how you have decided to treat your chickens...

Re what you could do now:

I'm a big fan of giving healthy food to boost their health and immune system...

Garlic can be added to their feed as a health boost. I use a fresh clove, one between 4 hens, on average about 3 times a week (or when I remember Rolling Eyes

) Some people use garlic powder - I think equestrian places sell it. Don't know how much of that to give - maybe someone who uses it can say?

I also try to give them a boost with a broad range vitamin and mineral supplement that is for chickens (some are one or the other, but I think they work together so need both). This should help their immune system work as well as it can, as I understand the need for vitamins and minerals goes up when birds (or us) are ill.

I give live yogurt occasionally, and would if my birds were sick. I beleive it is easily digested (because of the yogurt making process) and has beneficial bacteria which can help with digestion (so they get more nutrients out of the food they eat).

And you could give them some healthy, fresh food - especially greens. Even weeds - dandelions and clivers (aka goose grass?) are very nutritious...

I'm sure others will have other ideas.

Hope they're better soon.

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

It's so hard knowing whether to be concerned or whether their behaviour etc is normal when you're new to it. I have been giving greens when we have leftovers from dinner - they're not sure what to do with uncooked cabbage leaves and turned their noses (beaks) up at broccoli (bit like the oh!). We're going away for a few days tomorrow and my mother is house/dog/cat/chicken sitting so I'll try natural yogurt when we come back on Saturday. I guess a change of air etc as well can cause sniffles - all except one were kept inside prior to us having got them so being outisde in this damp weather we've been having could cause sniffles. Amazing how silly people can be - those who know we've now got chickens and also who realise I've got a cold have been saying silly things about bird flu!! Educated people can be terribly thick and reactionary at times!! Thanks for your helpful comments.

Bhindi · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:34 am Post subject:

As Lisa suggested if all your girls are sneezing and theres yellow disharge it might be worthwhile to contact a vet.. Fortunately I have no experience of any cold type symptoms from my 6.

Cranks Corner
When I see anything in my girls that look different: eg the pooh that doesnt look typical, or the body language is uncharachteristic I go off to sprout some mung bean (bean sprouts) and my next supermarket shop will have me buy some blueberries.. both very high in antidioxants and greatly desirable by my girls.. I believe this will help get rid of toxins in the body.. which is again why I would use organic sources, as to me its pointless getting blueberries that will have been sprayed with chemicals when i need them for healing!! (but I apply that principal to ALL the foods I give my girls, including their ACV.. (Fenwoman please note)

I really hope your girls improve quickly.... like us if you can get them into the sun for a few hours they may feel a little brighter just for that experience alone.... that may sound i assume their not, Its not that.. just i cant think to rephrase it Very Happy

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Bhindi - I know what you mean!! Yes I agree we all benefit from a little sun. My sister and brother in law are flying in today from Spain (where they live) - I hope the weather stays reasonable for them otherwise they'll be returning home under the weather! It's great seeing the chookies scratching about in the sun. I've just been out and collected our 3rd egg for the day so they're obviously OK in themselves. I'll see if I can find some organic blueberries - the chickens will have to fight the children for them though!