I posted a message a bit ago asking if chickens get colds. I wasn't being funny; I was worried. No one answered my post but with a few phone calls a little research, I learned that this can be a very bad thing. I lost one chicken before I knew to get antibiotics. I saw the chicken blowing snot from her beak but had to go to work and then to class so could do nothing. The next day, after she died, I got the antibiotics. My chickens now seem to be on the mend...at least I am hoping so for it also seems from the reading I have done that sometimes chickens seem to get better only to die very quickly. I don't mean to be sarcastic with the topic line, but I have very little time being a teacher and a student and a city person trying to raise chickens. I came here in the best of faith looking for help but noone responded to my post. Perhaps I labeled it wrong or simply did not word it well, but I find it disconcerting that no one bothered to help me when it seems that is the point of these postings. If I have offended, I am sorry and I won't bother any of you again, but at the same time...I am disappointed that no one offered help when I asked for it.

Marga, We are not Vets. I NEVER recommend antibiotics. And I have never had birds with "colds", so could not give advice. You will find that people who feel they can help, will do so. And many of us check the board daily, some do not have time to check very often. We come here to get information, and not just to give it, unless we have experience to relate. You just came at a time when no one was checking the board with knowledge of your problem-=-we are all busy. Very sorry that no one came along at the time you needed help, but don't be disappointed. We are not experts in poultry disease. Sometimes, as Lucy posts: "The Doctor is Out!" Your veterinarian is the first one to check with, if you know one who does chickens--most of us do not. Lots of questions never get answers--it is always worth the try. And be assured, any answers are just from our experience and may not help your situation at all. Misinformation is as easily obtained. We cannot see your birds, hear their breathing, know how they are fed and managed. It is important to search many sources sometimes. This board is just one of many. Sorry, it did not work for you this time. CJR

I've had posts that got no response too. Its diapointing. I've also had posts that got alot of response. I try not to give advice that I'm uncertan of for fear it will make things worse. I wouldn't want someone guessing about my chickens health. I did read your post. Maby I should have left a note of good will. But I often am doing this in 10 minutes before work and am in a hurry. I'll use that as an eccusse for my poor spelling too. I'm sorry for your loss. Now you've leaned something (the hard way )that we didn't know. I hope you stick around. Someone else may need your knowlege.
Bill

Marga,

I am sorry for your loss. I try to come here once a day and answer any posts I can contribute something to. But I also won't answer on health issues if it's something I haven't had experience with. I would recommend antibiotics IF it is an issue I have personally dealt with and that I saw the antibiotics as the way to go with good results. I don't specifically remember your post but I'm sorry you got no response. It does happen sometimes.

If you ever come here with a question like that again, you might try searching with the "key word" feature as well. I just searched "colds" in effort to find your previous post and came up with several threads that might have addressed your situation. That is always a good idea to do, along with posting a new message. This place is an awesome resource, especially when you search the archives a little bit, as I'm sure there are some very experienced people who aren't here anymore or very often.

Once again, sorry you experienced a loss with this.

Susie

I'm sorry I wrote such a nasty post. I should not have taken my frustration and grief out on people I really don't know and who only have tried to help the best they can. Thank you for understanding that I am experiencing frustration and grief here and I have picked up a few books to help me also. I lost the rooster and am only hoping now that my other Dominque survives. I have discontinued the antiboitics and am simply just hoping now.

Thanks again everyone and again, I am sorry for my harsh words.

Marga

Marga
Any chance you live in the US and nere eastern Ohio? I ask because I also have Dominiques and have been hatching some for others. I know its not the same, but if you wanted another roo or a hen or two I would be glad to help you out. No charge.
Bill