Chickens dying one by one in coop, no predator

[agintomboy]

I have been losing a chicken every 3-5 days within the coop. There is no evidence of predator infiltration as the dead chickens are whole. I believe now that there might be something contagious the chickens are starting to pass around. The surviving chickens however do not show any evidence of illness. What things should I do or treat the survivors with to stop this.


Anita

 

[azygous]

You would short cut your worries about what's killing your chickens if you took a dead one to your state lab for a necropsy. If you had included your location, we could have helped find it for you.

Another even quicker and cheaper test would be to gather a couple random samples of poop and have your local vet run a fecal float. It will tell you if coccidiosis is killing the chickens.

Losing multiple chickens often is caused by something in the environment. If you have untreated well water or collected rain water, you might want to have your county health lab test it. If it happens to be high in iron, sometimes the iron binds with bacteria and this can kills chickens.

If your feed has gotten moldy, that can kill. If you happen to see a lot of darkling beetles in your coop or run, they can be infected by a seriously toxic bacterium. Chickens eating the beetles can die within 24 hours from eating a contaminated beetle.

Also, knowing your location, we could advise if avian influenza is active in your area.

 

[agintomboy]

You would short cut your worries about what's killing your chickens if you took a dead one to your state lab for a necropsy. If you had included your location, we could have helped find it for you.

Another even quicker and cheaper test would be to gather a couple random samples of poop and have your local vet run a fecal float. It will tell you if coccidiosis is killing the chickens.

Losing multiple chickens often is caused by something in the environment. If you have untreated well water or collected rain water, you might want to have your county health lab test it. If it happens to be high in iron, sometimes the iron binds with bacteria and this can kills chickens.

If your feed has gotten moldy, that can kill. If you happen to see a lot of darkling beetles in your coop or run, they can be infected by a seriously toxic bacterium. Chickens eating the beetles can die within 24 hours from eating a contaminated beetle.

Also, knowing your location, we could advise if avian influenza is active in your area.

Thank you for all the good info. I am interested in the location of the necropsy lab. I live in Woodbine, MD in Howard County.

 

[Eggcessive]

It looks like MD has 2 labs, one in Frederick and one in Salisbury. Here is a list of state vets. Some will send you a prepaid shipping label for overnight shipping, but taking the body into them is much less. Keep the body refrigerated, but nit frozen.
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html

 

[azygous]

Perdue Technical Service Center Laboratory

31083 Old Ocean City Road

Salisbury, MD 21804 US

410-543-3231

fax: 410-543-3742




And Frederick Labs:

Avian Diagnostics​

Avian Serum: For avian serum to separate well, the tubes should be filled about 1/4 full of blood and immediately placed in a slanted position until the clot is set. Lay the tube on its side with the top edge propped up just enough to keep the blood from running out. Get as much surface area as possible. Leave undisturbed for about 30 minutes. The tube may then be placed in an upright position and serum will continue to separate. Avian serum separates best when kept relatively warm. Wait a few hours before refrigerating unless the day is extremely hot. Never freeze any serum which is to be tested for mycoplasma antibodies.


We can test for Pullorum-typhoid, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, and Avian Influenza on serum.


Avian Tissues/Swabs: Samples from tissues and culturette swabs can be tested for common poultry viruses and bacteria at the Salisbury Laboratory . They should be transported overnight in properly chilled conditions. Call the Salisbury lab for sampling and shipping guidelines. Phone: (410) 543-6610.


Training of NPIP Testing Agents: The Animal Health Program offers training of testing agents to perform blood testing of poultry to qualify flocks as National Poultry Improvement Plan participants or for exhibition. For information call NPIP Coordinator at the MDA Animal Health Program Headquarters, (410) 841-5810.


Testing of Poultry for Pullorum/Fowl Typhoid, and certain other diseases is offered for a fee (see fee schedule) in areas or situations when private testing agents are unavailable. Avian Influenza testing for shows, interstate movement, is offered for free. Call the Duty Veterinarian at the MDA Animal Health Program Headquarters, (410) 841-5810.


Owners may submit birds for necropsy to the nearest MDA lab. It is recommended that owners call the lab first prior to submitting samples. Salisbury Laboratory, (410) 543-6610 or Frederick Laboratory, (301) 600-1548.