Has anyone tried this?

[Cynthia12]

Just got an ad in my e-mail today..I usually use Denagard twice a year as a cautionary dose, love it! But this stuff is chhttp://meyerhatchery.com/productinfo.a5w?cat_id=1027&category=Poultry%20Supplies&grd_prodone_filter=PRODUCT_ID%20%3D%20%27VRX%27&aid=119eaper! Wondered if it works?

 

[HEChicken]

I don't like to click on links so I didn't click on this one but I was concerned by your statement about using Denagard. It is an antibiotic and therefore shouldn't be used as a "cautionary dose" but only used as needed. Using it when the birds are not ill will only reduce its effectiveness when the time comes that you actually do need it.

 

[Cynthia12]

I don't like to click on links so I didn't click on this one but I was concerned by your statement about using Denagard. It is an antibiotic and therefore shouldn't be used as a "cautionary dose" but only used as needed. Using it when the birds are not ill will only reduce its effectiveness when the time comes that you actually do need it.

It's worked for me for years. Suggested by Dawg in the beginning of my use of it. Never a problem with upper respiratory for about 2 and a half years now.

 

[HEChicken]

It's worked for me for years. Suggested by Dawg in the beginning of my use of it. Never a problem with upper respiratory for about 2 and a half years now.

I would do some research on antibiotics, if I were you. I also haven't had any issues with respiratory diseases in four years WITHOUT administering unnecessary antibiotics. And there is just too much evidence to show that using them when they are NOT needed, reduces their effectiveness when they are. Also, if you are talking about giving just one dose of it twice a year, there is no way it is doing anything at all. Denagard, like most antibiotics, is designed to be administered in a course that runs 7-10 days. A single dose - or a single day of dosing if using it in the water - isn't doing a thing for you.

 

[Cynthia12]

I would do some research on antibiotics, if I were you. I also haven't had any issues with respiratory diseases in four years WITHOUT administering unnecessary antibiotics. And there is just too much evidence to show that using them when they are NOT needed, reduces their effectiveness when they are. Also, if you are talking about giving just one dose of it twice a year, there is no way it is doing anything at all. Denagard, like most antibiotics, is designed to be administered in a course that runs 7-10 days. A single dose - or a single day of dosing if using it in the water - isn't doing a thing for you.

I not using a full dose, I'm using half a dose. And they are doing great thanks. I also give them yogurt after they are treated. I'm happy that your chickens are doing so well also.

 

[HEChicken]

I wanted to check with a veterinarian friend of mine to be sure the information I was giving you was not completely off base. Below is her response. Please pass this information along to whoever it was that suggested "preventative antibiotics", because he or she might be giving out that information to others as well. No matter the source, it is always a good idea to research any advice you are given, before implementing it. Just because someone on a forum says it, doesn't mean its true! I invite you to further research the below information.

Quote:

 

[Manningjw]

I not using a full dose, I'm using half a dose. And they are doing great thanks. I also give them yogurt after they are treated. I'm happy that your chickens are doing so well also.

That's exactly how resistant bacteria develop. When/if you do ever have a problem, you can guarantee that antibiotic will not work to clear it.

Ever have to take an antibiotic before and the doctor/nurse/pharmacist all gave you the same warning that you MUST complete the full course? There is a reason for that. Starting and stopping an antibiotic will eventually lead to resistant bacteria and you will have to use stronger/more expensive/newly developed antibiotics in the future.

 

[Cluky]

I would have to agree the bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics if profligacy if dose is used. it is deffinitely not a good idea

 

[speckledhen]

I'm completely against preventative antibiotic use as well as even using them with contagious respiratory illnesses in a flock. By using anything like that regularly, you have almost guaranteed that if you need one for a wound or something like EYP, it will not work. JMHO. Never had any contagious respiratory illness here in 8 years Ive had chickens and never used antibiotics as a preventative.

 

[CedarAcres]

I agree with other posters on the antibiotics. They shouldn't really be used unless absolutely necessary. Each time an antibiotic is used, it makes it less effective in the future. A simple way to explain it, is that it kills off all the weaker bacteria while leaving the strong behind each time, so what is left behind each time is the resistant bacteria and with each use they become stronger. If an antibiotic is ever really needed, it will not work because the bacteria have become so resistant. Antibiotics are so overused these days that bacteria is used to the antibiotic, so it doesn't phase them. Infections become harder to treat. It's not just happening with animals, but with people too. Bacteria are living and do everything that they can do to survive so if given the chance to be exposed to the antibiotic, they find ways to survive. Antibiotics are most effective when the bacteria has never been exposed to it.