I have a question that might get everyone in an uproar. That is not the intent. I'm really trying to work through a thought process here and welcome some feedback. Please try to keep it nice.
I know that many of you have been in the avian world for a lot longer and have most likely faced a similar situation already. This is a first for us and I'm really struggling to know what is the best route.
At what point do you quit trying to cure a bird and just keep it comfortable while nature takes its course?
Here is the deal. We have a Dark Brahma Cockerel that is a hatchery bird. We totally fell in love with the breed and intend to get breeding stock so he is not in any way vital to a breeding program. He is however, the family clown and most-loved bird.
Every time the weather changes to cold or wet, he gets sick. Each time, I panic and do the best I can. This time we still had company from Ohio (I've had company living here for a month - they went home today!!!
e ). Unfortunately, while we were busy with all this company, the kids were doing most of the chores. They just do the basics and don't check the birds like I do.
Yesterday I found our cockerel with a purple comb and wattles, struggling to breath. He obviously got sick again when the weather turned wet - and I missed it. I don't have Denegard (I know, need to get some) so just used Tylan50 - injection. When I was treating him, I really thought he was going to die in my arms. It was horrible!
His eyes would go shut and he'd open his mouth and take a huge struggling breath. No runny nose or eyes. I've investigated gape worm but can't figure how that would be possible for one bird to get gape worm when we have 30+ that free range with him. And the symptoms only appear with cold weather. I really think this is a genetic weakness since it crops up every time the weather changes.
His water cocktail has 1000mg VC, an entire scoop of vitamins and minerals with probiotic and 1/2 a scoop of super green drink formula (for humans). I did this as an immune booster.
Because we've been feeding another family for another month and had missed work due to my Gpa's funeral, we flat out can't afford to take a bird to the vet. He was free, should not be used as breeding stock and I can't sell him as such. I figure it costs roughly $40 a year to feed a bird organically like we do. He's almost a year old, so if he dies - we are only out the feed costs. I should say that we could scrape together the money for a vet but it doesn't seem logical AT ALL to spend that much on a useless bird. He doesn't even warn the girls about hawks as well as the other cockerels. He ducks and runs while screaming. As if the hawk could carry HIM off.
This bird is valuable ONLY from an emotional standpoint. We really like him!
Obviously we plan to keep treating him for now. However, I question it. Since he is really struggling to breath and we can't afford a vet visit - how long and how much effort should we extend in treatment? Is culling a better choice? He looks like he's about to die with every breath.
He obviously has a very poor immune system or some genetic issue from the hatchery. None of our other birds act sick. Except for mites, we've never had a problem with any of our other birds. It's just this crazy cockerel! I can't take this additional stress of trying to keep a weak bird alive every time the weather cools off. The fact that we have considered culling him makes me feel like a total heel and I'm not sure I could even do it. It's just that I'm wondering if culling him would actually be the compassionate thing to do since this condition appears to be a reoccurring event.
