On April 25th I bought six hens, four silkies and two Sebrights. All birds appeared to be in good health, and where active and eating normally.
Today (April 27th) I found 1 Sebright dead with no apparent injuries or other wounds, other than her feathers around her neck where ruffled and her legs stiff. There was some watery-looking poo near the anus, however.
My other Sebright hen appears to have lost all the feathers around her anus and her rear is covered in liquid looking poo.
The dead Sebright was active and seemed normal this morning when I went to feed at around 9:30. I didn't put them out in the coop because the weather was chilly and wet. When I came back around 1:30-2:00 the Sebright was dead and the other is sick. Her comb (I think thats what it's called, sorry, I'm new to chickens) is a darker red with two or three blackish looking spots.
She is moving around and her eyes are bright.
Both birds have been in close proximity with my four Pigeons (all healthy), my four Silkies, two rabbits, two dogs, and my two duck Drakes. Could this be Cholera? Is it highly contagious? Will I have to disinfect everything and destroy my flock and possibly also my rabbits?
During the day I've put them outside in a portable coop and have brought them in at night because the door to access the laying area doesn't have a proper latch yet and henceforth isn't predator proof.
I'm looking to get duck hens and two pigeon cocks on Sunday at a swap. Please advise, this is kinda hard for me, the Sebrights where such lovely, tame birds
Today (April 27th) I found 1 Sebright dead with no apparent injuries or other wounds, other than her feathers around her neck where ruffled and her legs stiff. There was some watery-looking poo near the anus, however.
My other Sebright hen appears to have lost all the feathers around her anus and her rear is covered in liquid looking poo.
The dead Sebright was active and seemed normal this morning when I went to feed at around 9:30. I didn't put them out in the coop because the weather was chilly and wet. When I came back around 1:30-2:00 the Sebright was dead and the other is sick. Her comb (I think thats what it's called, sorry, I'm new to chickens) is a darker red with two or three blackish looking spots.
She is moving around and her eyes are bright.
Both birds have been in close proximity with my four Pigeons (all healthy), my four Silkies, two rabbits, two dogs, and my two duck Drakes. Could this be Cholera? Is it highly contagious? Will I have to disinfect everything and destroy my flock and possibly also my rabbits?
During the day I've put them outside in a portable coop and have brought them in at night because the door to access the laying area doesn't have a proper latch yet and henceforth isn't predator proof.
I'm looking to get duck hens and two pigeon cocks on Sunday at a swap. Please advise, this is kinda hard for me, the Sebrights where such lovely, tame birds
