About two weeks ago I had a chicken first show symptoms of a respiratory illness, not soon after the entire flock had symptoms including foamy eyes, runny noses, closed/swollen eyes, and fatigue. Upon the entire flock showing symptoms, I made a call to the vet and arranged to get some medicine that afternoon. I kept an eye on them before leaving, and I had one sit in a corner and die on me while I was in the coop. When I picked up the chicken a creamy white mucus drained from the lungs. I have a flock of ten surviving and the medicene has yet to cure the disease; the chickens are acting much healthier yet still show all symptoms. I've had chickens for 12 years and never have they gotten this, I have no idea what to do with it.
Enough of the background, I see that I'm left with two options.
1. Continue with the medication (it's been a week since the vet said they should be cured) and hope that they get better and remain as carriers.
2. Cull the flock and establish a new one.
My questions:
If cured, will the birds be carriers of the disease?
How long with the disease remain active in the coop after culling the flock?
Which method do you recommend?
Enough of the background, I see that I'm left with two options.
1. Continue with the medication (it's been a week since the vet said they should be cured) and hope that they get better and remain as carriers.
2. Cull the flock and establish a new one.
My questions:
If cured, will the birds be carriers of the disease?
How long with the disease remain active in the coop after culling the flock?
Which method do you recommend?
