Two of my girls are sick.  They’ve got some sort of respiratory thingy.  I fed them hot oatmeal and yogurt this morning, and Greta and Liesl were sneezing like mad.  I thought it was from the sticky yogurt, but then I heard Liesl wheezing.  Then I noticed the bubbles in the corner of her right eye.

I had a mild freak out.  I don’t deal well with sick animals.  I panic.  I think they’re dying.

Backyardchickens.com to the rescue.  Opinions differ – some say chickens can get colds; others say, nope, chickens don’t get colds.  It’s possible it could be a respiratory infection (infectious bronchitis), but more than likely it’s a virus, and all I can do is wait it out.  I quarantined Liesl in the garage because her nose is really runny (poor thing).  I gave her some Super Booster, which has vitamins, electrolytes and a small dose of penicillin, just in case she does have an infection.  I bought some Stress-Aid for the other girls, which is just vitamins and electrolytes.  Greta may have to be quarantined as well, depending on how she’s doing tomorrow.  I guess at this point it really doesn’t matter – they’ve all been exposed.

The good news is that they’re all still lively and hungry and thirsty, so it can’t be that bad of an illness.  Today, when I picked up Greta to examine her, Liesl pulled a total Karate Kid move and attacked poor Greta by jumping in the air, flapping her wings and raking Greta’s face with her nails.  She must’ve thought I was holding that bitch down for her.

I hate having sick animals.  I feel so powerless.  How do I make them feel better?