This morning, I noticed a dead hen in my pen. After further inspection, I found another dead one in the coop. Thinking that it might be a predator, I battoned down the hatches tonight. After getting one of my Araucanas down from roosting outside, I noticed she has a major rasp. I've been real lucky in the fact that I've had chickens for 5 years and never had [or at least, none that I knew of] sick chickens. I'd be forever grateful for any advice as to what it might be and what measures I should take. Thanks a bunch!

you are indeed suffering from an attack by a predator--a very very small one! Sounds like these birds need an antibiotic right away. I'd give 'em the injectible form instead of the powder stuff--takes a heck of a lot less time to get into the blood. But don't ask me what antibiotic---I've always given my birds Terramycin, but alot of people give Galla--something. I don't know 2 cents worth about them. All i know is that these birds need treatment before they all die.

The message above in this list labeled "Tylan 50" has some dosages you might consider for medications. When you get everyone back on track, look for the cause. Unless you live in a very warm area, winter's temperature fluctuations and cold are very tough on chickens. If your facilities are not tight enough to keep out predators unless you "batten down the hatches," maybe they are too drafty or cold for this time of year. Feathers only go so far to keep a chicken warm, and even ducks can only take so much cold. Look above in the list at "Dead Leghorn" also. Good luck.

To Anonymous - thanks much for the help. Our winter weather has been major screwy - one week biting cold in the negatives, the next, sunny and upper 50's. It's no wonder they're sick! One good thing is that they're still eating well. Called the vet and now all are on antibiotics. Thanks again!

I wondered if you had noticed any swelling around the eyes?
I have a flock of some 30 hens of different breeds and an addition of five Warrens (with a bit of a cold), anyway, this developed in a few other birds and at the same time I noticed a swelling around the eye on a couple of birds. One is now so bad that she can hardly open her eye. On two others, there is a frothy, spit like build up on the eye.
They have been on Tylan soluable (antibiotic) for six days now and there is great improvement in the colds but the eye problem is still there (and has spread to one of my marrans today).
I live in the north of the UK and the weather (although cold) is not severe, the hens are in a fairly warm (brick built) coop.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated - my e-mail address is hens.r.us@tesco.net
Thanks in advance