Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
A very contagious coronavirus of chickens that causes mild respiratory signs in adults and lasting damage to the egg making system, soft or misshapen eggs are a giveaway.
Mix of AI illustrations and anonymized real cases shared by community keepers. Visual severity varies by bird, age, and stage.
Symptoms
- Sneezing / coughing
- Wheezing / rattling breath
- Watery eyes
- Drop in egg production
- Soft or wrinkled egg shells
- Lethargic / not moving
Treatment
No antiviral cure. Supportive care only: warmth, hydration, electrolytes, vitamins, and clean dry bedding. Watch for secondary bacterial infections, those need vet treatment. Most adult birds recover in 2 weeks, chicks can die from suffocation.
Prevention
Vaccinate in high risk areas (talk to a local poultry vet). Strict quarantine on new birds. Disinfect equipment, the virus spreads on boots and hands. Maintain good ventilation without drafts.
Typical recovery
7 to 21 days with prompt care.