DRUNKEN hens!!

[Tropical Chickies]

Quote:
Oh dear...WHY??????

 

[babsbag]

I just got the preliminary necropsy results back on my rooster. He had tumors, same as my other one did. They said either Marek's or Lymphoid Leukosis, and I am not sure which one is worse. They are running some more tests to get a definitive answer. Since they said the last one was presumptive Marek's and then the hen with the grey iris I am expecting Marek's. I think that this is a no win situation.

I'm sorry your bird isn't doing better, and I really hope you don't have Marek's.

 

[babsbag]

Quote:
This is from Peter Brown, First State Vet Supply. Based on what he wrote I am vaccinating my remaining birds.

"Can older birds be vaccinated for Mareks Disease ? The answer to this question is ,yes. The age of the bird really does not matter as long as the bird has not been exposed to the Mareks Virus prior to vaccination. If a bird that has not been vaccinated for Mareks Disease comes down with the obvious symptoms of Mareks it may be of value to vaccinate anyway. There is some research to show that some birds may recover after vaccination. This would possibly work on birds whether or not they were vaccinated before. Some research has suggested that re-vaccination 4 to 6 weeks after the initial vaccination was of value in preventing new cases of Mareks disease in high risk areas. It is important to keep in mind that birds that have been infected are shedding this virus at a very heavy rate from their follicles and it would be of value to keep feathers about your coop cleaned up. Regular spraying with oxine will go a long way in keeping this disease as well as other diseases under control. Concerning the use of bleach as a disinfectant: go ahead and use it if you so desire but be aware that to my knowledge there are no studies to show the effectiveness of bleach against any disease organism. Oxine has reams of test data against a wide range of Pathogens and is designed to be used specifically for disinfection purposes."

Here is the link to his entire article on Marek's.

http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/poultry-health/mareks-disease.html

 

[LarryPQ]

Babs- that is great to know! I wasn't speaking about non-exposed birds, just the "older birds" within an infected flock. Because it is transmitted by dander, you sort of have to assume they all have it. We vaccinated my friend's entire flock--despite being told "it is a waste". I am of the "if it wont hurt, then why not" belief. Besides, the vaccine comes in big bottles, and you have to throw it away after an hour or so anyway

I have also heard that since the vaccine is a form of turkey herpes (which is fun to say, by the way) having a turkey in the flock who has been vaccinated, or exposed to the turkey version of Marek's, can be a "preventative". I don't know if this is true--but it is a GREAT excuse to get a turkey...got some eggs in the bator right now....

 

[yotetrapper]

FLchick, your hen still hanging in?

 

[Tropical Chickies]

Hey yotetrapper....

Yes, my hen is still hanging on for life. Her eyes don't open, but she is still breathing. I am continuing fluids and protein. I wish she didn't have to suffer anymore and I can't bare the thought of not continuing to feed her and give her water. I have never culled before, nor will I ever do it...just don't have it in me. I don't think there is any way of her getting out of this.

By the way what is a yote trapper? Is it a real word?? Excuse my ignorance, please

 

[babsbag]

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I am going to take a guess that it is a coyote trapper.

I am sorry that your hen isn't doing well. This has to be the hardest part of owning animals.

But I am with you on the culling, I could never do it. Fortunately I haven't had to

 

[yotetrapper]

Yep, babs got it, a coyote trapper. Sorry your hen is suffering.

 

[babsbag]

Quote:
I wish I had you near my house. We have baby goats and I am scared to death. Electric fence, and an electronic wildlife deterrent, but I just want them to disappear. FOREVER.

 

[Tropical Chickies]

Thanks everyone for your wisdom, understanding, and support. My hen died this afternoon. I am glad her suffering has ended. I will see about getting a necropsy done tomorrow. I'll send an update to let you know what they say.