My rooster is coughing and aggressive. What medicine can help?

Hi, I’m sorry to hear about your rooster. Based on what you’ve described, an upper respiratory infection seems likely (mycoplasma, avian influenza, many other diseases could be at play). However, without examining him and maybe running some tests, I can’t say for sure. I would caution the use of antibiotics without he guidance of a veterinarian (in some cases depending on the medication this is even illegal in a food animal), as some can leave dangerous residues in meat or eggs, or if the wrong antibiotic is used, bacterial resistance can occur. Also, if the underlying cause isn’t bacterial, then the antibiotics won’t do anything while a more effective treatment has been missed. Therefore, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine him and they can prescribe the appropriate medications. Additionally, they can examine any other chickens you may have, since the respiratory issue and mites could possibly be spread to other birds and the environment. I am trained in traditional veterinary medicine, and therefore cannot recommend any home made remedy. I would worry that anything short of a prescription antibiotic and antiparasitic medication would not work. Best of luck to you!

Separate him from the flock for now. Keep him warm and offer pellets mixed with warm water to make a mash or paste. A vitamin supplement for poultry would also be recommended. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial/fungal overgrowth. If Andy doesn't improve within the next 24 hours, have him physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating domestic fowl.

Thanks for reaching out about Visu. He should be separated from the other birds to prevent cross contamination. Viral, bacterial, fungal infections are all possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range can give some support but is not a treatment in itself. Good luck.

It sounds like fowl pox, if you have more than one bird- separate him from the rest. this is a viral disease that doesn't have a cure but tends to go away after a few weeks, it's recommended boosting your rooster's immune system with a vitamin supplement.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out and including a photo. No antibiotic will treat all bacterial infections. Not all respiratory problems are bacterial, let alone infectious. There are several viral diseases possible, and many non-infectious problems. Inhaled toxins or foreign bodies can cause respiratory problems. An enlarged liver, spleen or other internal organs can not allow chickens to take a deep breathe. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Is the abdomen distended? Ascites (fluid accumulation) can be due to liver, kidney, ovarian and other problems. Draining the fluid (through a veterinary visit) can relieve symptoms but is probably not a cure. Good luck.

Unfortunately, it is illegal for use to recommend using any OTC drugs on Owen because we can't see him in person. We can't say it's safe. In addition, we can't know if it's the right drug. This horrible cough could be due to a respiratory infection, but it could also be due to a collapsing trachea or heart disease, neither of which robitussin can treat. Keep him as calm as possible, rest him, offer him smaller amounts of water at a time, and have him seen by a vet as soon as possible.