E. Coli

[mcjessen]

Can anyone share their experience if their chickens have been infected with E.Coli? Sounds like we (my BO) have all the symptoms.

Description: Generally, birds will appear unthrifty and have ruffled feathers. They may also be depressed and have a decreased appetite. During the acute phase of disease you may also notice yellowish colored droppings and birds may be soiled in the vent region. (as listed on http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/903/ie-coli-ian-opportunist-that-causes-enteritis)

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
I've dealt with a confirmed case of E Coli in a JG rooster I had just over a year ago. All chickens have E Coli in their guts. Some type of stress can cause it to get out of control and overwhelm their system. My roo became lethargic, wouldnt stand nor crow, wouldnt eat, pale comb and wattles. He had green/yellow runny diarrhea. He started tucking his head under his wing. I had previously wormed him, so I knew it wasnt internal parasites. At the time I had him seperated from the hens because he was new and in quarantine. I gave him metronidazole, corid, aureomycin...all to no avail. A BYC friend took him and tube fed him baytril mixed with probios and poultry nutri drench. The idea was to get the good bacteria going and get his guts back in balance where they should be. The baytril was used to beat back the bad bacteria, E Coli. The tube feeding was done several times a day for about a month. The only improvement was the color of the diarrhea that was excreted changed from green/yellow to just green. He was never able to stand, still had all the other symptoms with no improvements. I made the decision to have him culled.

 

[mcjessen]

I'm thinking the symptoms sounds very similar to what I'm see in my second BO. I suspect the first BO had it but I "cured" it with plenty of rest and high probiotic yogurt - within 24 hrs. Working on this BO now. The weird thing is neither BO is laying and hasn't been for about a month. The weather turned colder quickly then and a neighbors' dog got in the back yard and chased them. Would those two events be enough of a stressor to trigger a shift in good/bad bacteria?

Also, should my human family be concerned for our health? We wash our hands always after handling the birds.

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
There are alot of reasons why chickens stop laying; sudden drops in temps, dog chasing your birds, less daylight hours, illness, internal/external parasites, change in feed perhaps, adding a new bird to the flock, molt...just to name a few. Additionally, any of these can cause an E Coli outbreak. To be sure, take a fresh poop sample to a vet and have him look at it under a microscope. Shouldnt cost much hopefully. It's the only way you'll know for sure what you're dealing with. Or perhaps the vet can send it off to be analyzed like my vet did.
As far as human health, just follow standard hygiene practices after handling your birds, or any other animal for that matter....no problem.

 

[mcjessen]

Thank you very much for all your input. I have a feeling that this IS what we're dealing with and my hubby agrees. He thought of that possibility before I even spoke with him about it. I find some relief from this at least and knowing that this is most likely the case, I can move forward. The not knowing was just killing me.

I'm sure my healthy BO will start laying soon. In the meantime, all will get probiotics once a week. Hopefully my sick BO will improve. Poor thing...