Chicks infected or not?

[Mark94]

I have old chickens, and I'm sure they have coryza/mycoplasma or even both, due to the bubbles and 1 has a swollen cheek. I've got new chicks in early May, I've been keeping them away, changing my clothes, washing myself every day before feeding them, new baskets for feeding them, shoes, everything. Made a new coop, so i even seperated them, maintained disinfection of myself, and today while I was sleeping. My mother threw some food, like bread, watermelon mixed with water to both of the flocks. The thing is, the basket she put the food is used for the sick chickens, I carry them food in it and when I collect the eggs I put them in that basket, so the inside of that basket had contacts only with the eggs. I'm curious are the chances high enough that they have been infected by that transmission? Anyone can tell me? I apologize for bad writing, I've been stressed out all day, I've put so much effort in all this by keeping them as safe as possible, and my mother most likely blew it all...

 

[dawg53]

I understand the position you're in, a difficult worrisome situation.
Your mom probably didnt know the basket was used for the sick chickens. Even if she did, cut her some slack.
If there was bacterial mucus anywhere on, or in the basket and it contacted the food, then there is a slight chance birds might be contaminated if they came in contact with it. Even then, the bacteria with either disease cannot survive in the environment for more than 3 days.
Have patience with your mom and gently explain to her about biosecurity.
I think you're doing an excellent job practicing biosecurity.

I know you're attached to your old hens, who isnt? But consider the suffering they're going through. You only see the exterior symptoms of either disease. There is also internal damage happening that you cant see.
It would be best to humanely cull the sick birds. Then disinfect everything in and out of their coop, feeders/waterers etc...with either bleachwater or Oxine. Wait about 6 months and then repopulate if you wish.

 

[Mark94]

I understand the position you're in, a difficult worrisome situation.
Your mom probably didnt know the basket was used for the sick chickens. Even if she did, cut her some slack.
If there was bacterial mucus anywhere on, or in the basket and it contacted the food, then there is a slight chance birds might be contaminated if they came in contact with it. Even then, the bacteria with either disease cannot survive in the environment for more than 3 days.
Have patience with your mom and gently explain to her about biosecurity.
I think you're doing an excellent job practicing biosecurity.

I know you're attached to your old hens, who isnt? But consider the suffering they're going through. You only see the exterior symptoms of either disease. There is also internal damage happening that you cant see.
It would be best to humanely cull the sick birds. Then disinfect everything in and out of their coop, feeders/waterers etc...with either bleachwater or Oxine. Wait about 6 months and then repopulate if you wish.

Thank you Dawg for your response!
I really hope they didn't catch anything in such way, I'll maintain good biosecurity and monitor them closely in the upcoming days and weeks. I know the chances are quite slim but I also know how nasty and tricky bacterias are... Wishing u all the best!

 

[Punkybrewster]

You mention that you separated them. Have your chicks ever been in contact with your older birds?

Either way, In my experience it takes up to 3 weeks to show symptoms. So once you get passed the 3-4 week time period with no symptoms, you should be good.

A good point was made about the older ones suffering with this. I had to cull all of my flocks because of this and start over.

Hard to do and heartbreaking but necessary. MG never goes away. Very stressful on a daily basis for all involved when you are trying to keep a healthy flock and a contaminated flock.

 

[Mark94]

You mention that you separated them. Have your chicks ever been in contact with your older birds?

Either way, In my experience it takes up to 3 weeks to show symptoms. So once you get passed the 3-4 week time period with no symptoms, you should be good.

A good point was made about the older ones suffering with this. I had to cull all of my flocks because of this and start over.

Hard to do and heartbreaking but necessary. MG never goes away. Very stressful on a daily basis for all involved when you are trying to keep a healthy flock and a contaminated flock.

No, they have never been in contact with older hens, I've been taking serious measures since day 1. I really hope I don't hear any sneezing, see mucus, physical changes etc. in the upcoming weeks. You are right about culling my older hens, I know they are suffering but I just don't have a heart to kill an animal. But I know it has to be done...