[andyajsb]

Hi,
We've had our chickens for about 6-8 weeks (POL) and they are all laying happily.  We have and in fact today was the first time we got 4 eggs in a day

Have noticed one of them (Rhode Rock) seems to have a runny nose and is sneezing???  Is this normal, can they get colds?  If they do is it a problem?  Is there anything specific we should do?

Any advice really appreciate thanks!

[henamoured]

I'd keep a close eye on her - if she starts to look ill - hunched up, tail down, uninterested, or if any others in the flock show same symptoms you may need to ask vet for antibiotics.
Chx can get an illness called mycoplasma which has 'cold' symptoms and this needs treating asap (do a search on here for more info).
As the chx come into lay it is a stressful time for them and illnesses can ensue. Keep up their diet pellets + green leaf veg, only few treats, and try to minimise any other stresses.
Welcome to site by the way

[andyajsb]

Thanks for that, will certainly be keeping an eye on her but they all seem bright and bubbly at the moment.  Will also do that search for more info.

Thanks again./

[joyfull]

chickens do not get colds like humans however they can get several respiratory infections. Your best bet is to take her to a vets and see about getting a broad spectrum antibiotic. Get enough to treat all your chickens. If it turns out to be mycoplasma then she will have it for life and it will flare up again in times of stress. The myco can be passed down through to an egg so never breed from her otherwise your chicks could be born with it.

[jinty1911]

Aunty, what kind of broad spectrum antibiotics do the vets prescribe for chickens?  I phoned my vet when I got my chickens and asked if they had any experience with chicks.  He said yes they had treated them before but I could tell by the hesitation in his voice that it hasnt been very often.  Just so I know what to ask for if it's ever needed?
Jinty

[hillfooter]

Aunty, what kind of broad spectrum antibiotics do the vets prescribe for chickens?  I phoned my vet when I got my chickens and asked if they had any experience with chicks.  He said yes they had treated them before but I could tell by the hesitation in his voice that it hasnt been very often.  Just so I know what to ask for if it's ever needed?
Jinty

Baytril is regarded as a virtual cure all a/b also with respiratory infections Tylan (Tylosin) is often prescribed too.  Aureomycin and penicillin are also broad spectrum antibiotics.

Whatever you may think about your vet's competance with chx they should know about a/bs.  If a specific organism has been identified or a positive diagnosis made the above may not be the a/bs of choice and specific ones maybe more effective against specific organisms.  You can't tell your vet what to prescribe or at least it's not likely to get a good reaction if you do.

HF

[jinty1911]

Thanks Got them in my diary now.
Jinty

[Aunt Sally]

My vet often prescribes a combination of batril and flagyl (metronidazole) to make sure to cover all types of bacteria (aerobes and anaerobes).

[jinty1911]

Weyhay! Aero whats? That away above my head (you all must be really clever) but will write it down. Thank you very much for your help. 
Jinty

[Aunt Sally]

Just remember metronidazole.  The added info was really for hillfooter.

[hillfooter]

Just remember metronidazole.  The added info was really for hillfooter.

Not come across that combination so I'll google it.  However I do know that with metronidazole your can't drink alchol so my girls would have to give up their pre roost G&T
HF

[Aunt Sally]

Oh NO,  I have great sympathy for them 

[joyfull]

denegard is another one and my vets also say it can be given at the same time as aureomycin