RabidRooster6607
Hatching
I have had my flock for a little over a year. The initial 10 were purchased together, I added 2 more six months later and then I added 5 more this year. I did not realize the importance of Bio-Security. To add context to my situation, my neighbors share the "costs" of the chickens for an equal portion of the eggs. I do all of the work with them and cover the costs of the electricity to their coop, any treats, treatments and medications for them. Between my neighbors and my husband, they are viewed as food. To me, they are pets that have a useful function.
Last year was a very productive year and I averaged 8 eggs per day with 9 pullets. This year with 16 pullets, I am averaging 4 eggs per day. This year we went through molting and feather pulling, and 2 weeks ago- lice. I have 2 broody's and 1 ill hen who is quarantined. The rest are full of energy and show no symptoms, other than not laying. My ill hen is the reason I really need help. She has difficulty breathing and does this cough/ audible gasp. She does not have any mucus anywhere, has great energy. She has been quarantined for 1 week and has laid 1 egg. I don't expect anything from her, as she is very obviously ill.
Everything I read comes up with MG and MC. None of the symptoms match exactly, I could pick and choose so many different illnesses to make it fit. With the situation with my neighbors and husband, I need to know what would be recommended to treat the entire flock, if they are all sick without symptoms, and be cost effective.
If it is MG or MC, I do not intend to cull the flock. But, I need to get them better to produce eggs.
Any thoughts are appreciated. As I mentioned, these are my pets. I will never sell eggs or any offspring.
Last year was a very productive year and I averaged 8 eggs per day with 9 pullets. This year with 16 pullets, I am averaging 4 eggs per day. This year we went through molting and feather pulling, and 2 weeks ago- lice. I have 2 broody's and 1 ill hen who is quarantined. The rest are full of energy and show no symptoms, other than not laying. My ill hen is the reason I really need help. She has difficulty breathing and does this cough/ audible gasp. She does not have any mucus anywhere, has great energy. She has been quarantined for 1 week and has laid 1 egg. I don't expect anything from her, as she is very obviously ill.
Everything I read comes up with MG and MC. None of the symptoms match exactly, I could pick and choose so many different illnesses to make it fit. With the situation with my neighbors and husband, I need to know what would be recommended to treat the entire flock, if they are all sick without symptoms, and be cost effective.
If it is MG or MC, I do not intend to cull the flock. But, I need to get them better to produce eggs.
Any thoughts are appreciated. As I mentioned, these are my pets. I will never sell eggs or any offspring.
