handihoes
In the Brooder
- May 16, 2016
- 11
- 0
- 12
Two days ago I swapped my rooster for a pullet. On the way home, the breeder sent me a message to say she was locking her flock away and noticed some birds sneezing, so I may want to quarantine her. She said she had a sneeze go through some of her flock last year but she thought it was gone, then just noticed it again. But she said she might not even be effected cause only some of them got it. I didnt know much about it because Ive never experienced colds with my chickens before so I looked into it and it seems its very likely to be CRD given the symptoms (sneezing, damp nose and head shaking) and its apparent re-occurance with the lady's flock. Though I do understand that its impossible to tell with out blood tests. She said she thinks its just a cold as they all got over it last time and she's sold chickens that had it and they're fine now. I sent her links to info on CRD and mycoplasma but she said she doubts its that because they dont have swelling or problems with eyes. I said that the symptoms could range from nothing to all symptoms depending on the strain and the birds immune system. I also said some chickens may appear uneffected, but its so contagious, that they probably all are. From my understanding, there is no such thing as just a cold in chickens - the symptoms are cause by one of a few viruses or bacteria, with CRD being most common and most likely - is that right?? I also know it effects the fertile eggs, so chicks will have it to, and I also have some of her chicks. I contacted another unrelated breeder and she that its so common, my birds will likely get it at some point anyway and allowing it to run its course will help to build their immunity. However, she went on to say that some birds permanently have a cold afterwards and it can effect egg production. My birds are all strong and healthy and I dont want to make them sick, but it seems some poeple think sneezing/colds are not a big deal. But I have read some people close their flocks after CRD and even cull, so am I right to be worried. Or am I worrying about nothing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. What should I do?? She is sneezing a lot and shaking her head. The breeder said she would take her back if I want to return her, but I dont want to return her if its unnecessary? She is still in quarantine at the moment so my flock are uneffected at this stage.
Last edited: