It spreads like wildfire, very quickly. No, it would not hurt to treat them. Some may die without obvious signs of the disease or weight loss. Infected birds and especially those that are chronically affected will be lethargic and anorexic, they will appear to be 'hunched up' with retracted necks and closed eyes.In your experience how quickly does it spread and cause death. Does the timeline sound about right. I've never seen anything next to them and haven't noticed yellowish diarrhea. I have noticed they fluff up but I figured that could be to stay warm.
Would it hurt to treat them anyway? I didn't purchase from a breeder if that makes a difference. It was a family friend who runs a pumpkin patch and didn't want to keep them over winter. I'm not sure if that's important or not.
I will note that that the one that passed today looked like it had wet feathers by its vent. It was a lighter bird and the wetness had no color unless it was whitish. I kept it to look at better tomorrow.
Weird question but you've been quite helpful. Have tried to examine one for UE? If so was it quite noticeable when you opened it up?
I really appreciate the help.
If they are infected, their droppings will be very evident if it's UE by the yellowish coloration and streaked with urates and usually surround with a watery ring.
Primarily the lesions will be found in the lower small intestine, ceca and liver. The lesions or ulcers will be well defined and ~ 5mm in diameter, they may be yellow in color.
Liver lesions will appear as yellow, necrotic foci or have an irregular shape. The other organ that can have lesions too, is the spleen, which will be enlarged and appear to be necrotic or hemorrhagic.
If you're conducting the necropsy, be sure to wear latex gloves and to wash your hands and any clothing that may be contaminated, throughly, afterwards to prevent cross contamination
HTH