Anyone managing a closed flock?

[moody-chicken]

Hi, I suspect my hens have MG. They all came from the same poultry farm but different flocks within the farm. The Sussex hens started with symptoms on day two, the following days the Pekins joined them. They looked like they were going to die, crusted eyes, not moving, wheezing and mucus, they smelt bad too. I gave them amoxicillin and they appeared to make a full recovery. After about 7 days I took them off the medicine and for another week they had no symptoms. Then yesterday I saw them starting to sneeze again very faintly. So I suspect they have MG and this will be a constant problem. Does anyone have a closed flock they have to regularly medicate and how do they manage it? I'm thinking I may have to let nature take its course because I cant keep medicating them forever on amoxicillin and I can't eat the eggs while they are on that antibiotic either. Our vets take the stance of not helping chickens with diseases, they feel you should cull and start over. Im not sure i have the strength to do that. To make matters worse i have 3 hens coming in a few days. I intend to keep them separate untill this is all sorted out but not sure how to sort it. It really would be heartbreaking to lose them. Not sure what to do?

 

[RedDrgn]

Yes, but the strain I'm dealing with is very mild and has required no on-going treatment (though no bird in our flock will ever leave our property except to go to the vet or dinner table). Our whole ordeal began last spring and I kept detailed updates in this thread (until the ability to edit the OP went away after a few months and I had to add updates to the end of the thread as separate posts; but it's all there anyway). Hopefully it'll be of some use with your flock/situation!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...rgling-rales-when-breathing-no-other-symptoms

 

[moody-chicken]

I seem to have it more under control at the moment. Just the odd sneeze from one hen every few hours. I think I need to keep them dry, warm, tonic in water and good food and fingers crossed it will subside. Ill take a look at your thread cos I think that ill need to manage my flock very carefully to prevent future outbreaks.

 

[RedDrgn]

Well, chickens do sneeze, especially if in a dusty area (which coops and runs certainly are often enough). If there is no nasal/eye discharge, rattling/rales when they breathe, or heavy breathing with mouth open, then I'd just keep a close eye on them and not medicate (or finish whatever course of medication they are on and do not repeat right away). But having had to go through treatment and testing,etc., our experience (and many shared within the thread) should be able to give you a decent handle on MG. I hope it works out and your flock is well!

 

[moody-chicken]

Thanks, I've managed to get in touch with a fellow chicken keeper in my area who has allot of experience and she's offered to help me nurse them and tame them up so I'm very positive at the moment. Thanks for your help!