also...up until the last few chickens, we always buried them in the backyard, since they were considered pets as well...could that have made it worse??
I would contact the extension office again and ask for the contact info for the state vet... email him with the same info you have given us and tell him (or her) that you are going to try again and if the same thing happens will he do necropsy to find out what the agent is that is killing all your birds.
When so many deaths occur at a property then you should report this and ask the state vet for help...
i dont know about your state, but mine comes out and tests your birds to see if they have pollurum, samonella, or avian influenza. it only cost me $30 to get my whole flock certified. it is called the national poultry improvement plan. contact your state about it and see if you can get them out to test. cross your fingers that it is not that though because that is a very serious and deadly disease.
here is the problem though...i dont have any chickens any more that are sick! well, its not a problem but you know what i mean..it sounds so mean but i almost want to get a few more and as soon as they get sick, have them tested. the silkies are doing just fine..its just so strange and makes no sense.
Ohhhh, let's do certainly hope not. Pullorum is a reportable and cullable disease. Not voluntarily cullable - they take your birds and rest (sometimes) and then simply cull them, test your whole flock, etc.
Pullorum birds usually die early tho - young chicks. You could have your birds tested through NPIP and see. It's always a good idea. But I doubt that's it.
Honestly, so many symptoms fit so many illnesses - it could be nearly anything but without a necropsy it's all just guesswork.