Kitchen Garden Forum

I recently bought three Sussex hens and a cockerel at 7 weeks old. They are now 15 weeks and have grown at a phenominal rate. The cockerel has alwaus seemed to have a bit of a cold, sneezing from time to time, but when in the coop I can hear it bubbling away in his beak. Are there any remedies for this as it doesn't seem to be improving at all, though the cockerel is fit and sprightly otherwise. Also his neck feathers are looking a bit dishevelled with some sticking out beneath the head so he looks like he's wearing a winged collar! Is this a sign of him being in poor condition or is it just one of those things? As I say, he seems very active and healthy otherwise, wattles and comb looking great and all in all he looks a magnificent bird. Any advice?

I sounds like he has a respiratory infection, which could be mycoplasma - this will need a couple of injections of Tylan, or Baytril powder, from the vet pretty quickly. His manky feathers may be due to his wiping his nose on his neck. You may have to treat the whole flock, if it is mycoplasma, as it is contagious.

Thanks for the advice Diane. I have since had exactly the same diagnosis from another party, so will take action with Tylan as you suggest. I have seen mycoplasma in a much more severe form which is why I thought this case was more likely to be a cold. Will be taking the cockerel for a jab asap. Thanks.