Old Hen with a cold?

[Roisin]

Hello

I have a 4 or 5 year old ex battery hen who seems to have a respiratory problem. Her breathing looks laboured and she kind of hiccups. A very slight discharge from her nostrils. Eating and drinking, but not much. My other 3 hens are fine. What worries me is that my partner and I each had a sore eye last week, when the hen was coming down with this, and I have read that Humans can get mild conjunctivitus from Newcastles disease, which is notifiable. But I live in london, and dont visit other flocks, so Im really hoping it couldnt be Newcastles. Am I over-dramatising?
And the poor old hen - she has had a very good life with me, but I am not sure she will pull through. If I needed to make her feel more comfortable would it be safe to give her a quarter of an asprin? (All my hens are wormed regularly so I dont think it could be gapeworm. Also she doesnt have the swollen eye of mycoplasma) Very grateful for any advice. Thanks.

 

[foxy]

Sorry your old hen is poorly, she has lived already to a grand old age by the sounds of it!

Chickens don't actually get colds as such, nor can they generally transfer viruses or infections to humans, they are a couple to watch out for, but in this case I very much doubt it, good hygiene practices are enough reduce any (very low) risk of infection. ND (Newcastles Disease) is rare in the UK so I doubt you have contracted any eye infection from your hen. It could be a simple case of conjunctivitis inadvertently spread between you and your partner.

By the symptoms you describe it sounds like an upper respiratory tract infection...the laboured breathing, discharge from the nostrils does point that way. A course of antibiotics from the vet should help. In the meantime you could check her bedding, dry dust extracted shavings and plenty of ventilation.

 

[chrismahon]

We had very mild ILT and IB symptoms when our flock had an outbreak -before we knew what they had. Newcastles occurs during Goose and Duck migration in September -literally falls from the sky!

What colour is her poo Roisin? Green is infection -bacterial or viral. But I agree with Foxy, 'chest' infection which needs antibiotics from the vet. As said damp bedding, dusty bedding and poor ventillation are the cuprits.

 

[Roisin]

Her poo is normal, bedding is not damp and is dust extracted. The coop is well ventilated. Thank you both for your advice. Not sure what ILT and IB stands for?

 

[chrismahon]

We had a few runny nose hens last year about this time I recolect. Never did find out what caused it so assumed hayfever? Pollen count is very high at the moment and even I have a runny nose -never get hayfever.

Infectious Broncitus and Infectious Lary.. something ..Trachy.. something (extremely sore throat). Won't be either of those Roisin unless you have introduced new hens to the flock in last two weeks or have visited and had contact with other hens.

 

[Roisin]

Well, the old girl seem much better. Might have been hayfever or an infection I suppose, /she's not been leaving her run much, but is eating well again and looks much much perkier. Many thanks to you for your advice.