AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Well I just picked up 4 new birds. Some lovely sebrights... but one of them is sick! Grrr.

Didn't realise until I got home and it started coughing. So I separated it and then noticed that its breath absolutely stinks!!
So I figured there must be some sort of infection there so gave it some lemon juice and water to try and get things moving. Hopefully the lemon acidity will kill the bugs???

But I need some more ideas on treatment.
She has dropped her tail down low (no fluffing of feathers yet), and is just coughing occaisionally - mainly when she's asleep.
The thing that worries me is the stinky breath.

In the morning, I'll try give her some boiled egg (for energy) and some yoghurt and some more lemon juice. Any other ideas???


I'm just so annoyed that someone would sell a sick bird.

Just thinking some more.

If there's no poo in her box in the morning - then I can be pretty sure her crop is blocked. Lets say I can get that moving then all is fine. (fingers crossed)

But what about antibiotics to treat this stinky infection? Do I get them at the Vet or a produce store? I'm in Paddington, Brisbane and there aren't many produce stores near me.

Firstly, I hope the new birds have all been quarantined in a separate pen away from any existing birds you have, (although the ones with the sick bird are already exposed). If not then separate the sick bird immediately.

Herbal remedies might aid a bird which is already well to continue staying healthy, but they may not do a lot once a bird is already sick. A cough is generally a sign of a mild respiratory illness. A bird which is stressed, has just moved to a new place, a change of weather etc is more susceptible. Generally with good nutrition in normal circumstances they can fight off the infection. If the problem is bacterial then the strength of the bird will be needed to get better.

Unless you are going to take it to the vet and get antibiotics for it, then there isn't a lot you can do beside the following:

Separate the sick bird from the rest of the flock (if it isn't already) as respiratory problems can go through the whole flock and take weeks or months to get rid of!
Ensure the housing of the sick bird is sufficient to avoid stress and give them the best chances of improving their health and immune system.
They need to be warm and protected at all times
They need fresh clean water and good quality nutrition.
Do you know how to make the rickets supplement? It can be a good pick me up.
Ensure they aren't on wet or damp ground, either put them somewhere dry or put hay or mulch down as a temporary solution.

If the illness goes on for a long time or there are signs of secondary infection then antibiotics become a consideration and it's hard to tell how long the bird has been sick for. You would want to hope for the sellers sake it has only just started and they weren't aware! Have you spoken to them? Although the rest of the birds are now exposed they should really take the bird back if the opportunity is there and you are't happy nursing it back to health.

Proper antibiotics are prescription only as each type of antibiotic fights different problems. You can buy some mild antibiotics like Oxy-B (there are different ones) online sometimes. I believe Knox Bird Clinic in Melbourne sells some items or you could try ebay.
http://shop.ebay.com.au/?_from=R40&_trk ... Categories

Good luck

Alright... well I'm off to the vet this morning to get some antibiotics.

I've separated this bird from my new ones and all birds are separated from my exiting ones.

She's such a cutie! I've got her next to me munching away at breakfast now.
It's her first food since 9pm last night (11hrs ago) and her crop was empty thank goodness... and some mighty big poos were in her box.

She's enjoying the lemony water but I think her breathing is getting worse.


I think this one was at an Ag show last week and may have picked it up there. That explains why none of the others are sick yet...

if in any doubt i always give mine a course of antibiotic just to be on the safe side.. and i hope all goes well for the poor little thing

Maybe you should send the seller the vet bill after all they shouldn't sell sick birds I hope it recovers for you

I hate when that happens and its always the best one, sh ts me to tears when I read things like this maybe one day they will buy a sick chook and then know the feeling




HBG

Yep it's just so frustrating. And yep she is the best one... with the best personality - so friendly for a sebright!

The visit to the vet went well yesterday.

I found an avian vet on Waterworks Rd in Brisbane and he was lovely and helpful.
He gave me a whole bunch of antibiotic injections that I need to give her over the next week. I also am going back on Monday to pick up some water soluble antibiotics to put in the water for the other chooks.

I'll let you know how we go!

I hope she recovers Vicky

You know the saying "What goes around comes around"
Cheers Drew Smith

yes what goes around comes around [ and oftens bites you in the bum ]

I know you probably havent even been to the Vet again yet - BUT - how is the bird now??