I brought in sick chickens to my flock?

[Sara Ranch]

*hugs*

I'd be suspicious of anyone wanting to trade hens for roosters. Especially since roosters are not so desired.

The other advice is good. Please consider it.

If you haven't done so already, you should remove the two newcomers immediately.

 

[3riverschick]

Okay Joplus let's try this go to:
Https://www.hencam.com. click on FAQS. The article is under the "Health and Behaviour" column and titled "treating respiratory diseases in chickens" . it discusses exactingly treating a mycoplasma very like your chickens symptoms. Also says you need a blood test to confirm exact cause of illness.
Best,
Karen

 

[Taysherm]

I am very sorry to hear about your experience. Please let us know the results. It's a good reminder about quarantining and cleaning between flocks. Hopefully your birds are just exhausted after a full summer of heat. Keep the water fresh and the shade abundant.

 

[3riverschick]

I think they're sick and I think these new birds were carriers of a respiratory illness. However, since they were carriers, that explains why Joplus didn't see right away that they were sick . I think that whatever they have has spread to the part of the rest of the flock . but be encouraged there's lots of great research going on and these guys at the vet lab in Tucson are top-notch.
Best,
Karen

 

[Joplus]

Well I pretty much hate myself but my sister told me you can't go there to yourself. I called her crying and she said she once brought in a stray puppy with parvo and got her senior dog sick and not to go there because it's not like someone intentionally would harm their beloved pets. It's hard though. My olive egger pullet passed away. I didn't save her body because it could have been hours in this heat and decomposed already. I assume the lab isn't open until Monday and I'll call first thing. This disease isn't killing the original 2 that brought it in but they sleep 100% of the time. Then I'll get directions for culling them. Cute little disease carrying silkies. Then I have a sleepy rooster with my main flock so I'm pretty sure the damage is done. But I'll probably cull him too. Everyone else looks good for now. Thanks so much for your info and sympathy everyone it means a lot to me just to pour out my heart.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm so sorry to about your trouble

It looks like you have received good advice from @3riverschick

Do the best you can to keep them all hydrated - offer poultry vitamins in their water if you have them.

If you have space - separate and treat any that are showing symptoms (lethargy, mucous from the nostrils, bubbly eyes, coughing, sneezing, etc.). Antibiotics won't cure respiratory disease, but can help with any secondary infections. You can try injectable Tylan50 to see if there is any improvement. Injectable Tylan 50 dosage is 1 cc or ml per 5lbs. of weight given 2x a day for 5days. You can give it orally or as an injection into the breast muscle 1/4 inch deep.

I agree it is important to send a couple of birds for necrospy so you know exactly what you are dealing with. Most respiratory diseases make birds and those exposed carriers for life regardless if they ever show any symptoms. The information you get from necropsy will help you determine what needs to be done with the remaining birds you have.

I'm very sorry - please keep us posted. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[extrememainer]

I think the same as 3riverschick

 

[Joplus]

Update: I called U of A and they have suspended necropsies until mid September but referred me to Midwestern University which is closer anyway. I called and they charge $105 for exam, euthanasia and necropsy of 2 chickens. I could save $30 by culling myself but then it's done right and fresh. The exam is at the Equine and Bovine Center and then necropsy is at the diagnostic pathology. So they can take them right over. My appointment is Thursday morning. The two white silkies I introduced are the obvious choices. But now they look really bad. They have diarrhea too. Or they just don't move and are pooping on themselves. They smell terrible. I think I should bathe them but the stress might kill them. Now my polish rooster is laying down and an americauna hen looks pretty sleepy too. But my olive egger rooster looks like his old self. I guess if the white chicks die I can either freeze them or I can choose different birds but culling my polish rooster would just kill me. Anyway I'll keep updating. I'm providing as much detail in case someone looks into thread searching for answers.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm glad to hear you are going to be able to have some testing done.

The 2 Silkies - you notice a bad smell - do they have a discharge (mucous) from their nostrils along with facial swelling? If they do, then see if the mucous is the source of the odor.
Giving a bath to sick birds would stress them, so if possible avoid doing that. Silkies don't usually roost, so try to keep fresh bedding under them if you can.

If they do pass on before you can get them to the Center - refrigerate the bodies, don't freeze - here's some tips that may help you. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures.799747/

 

[3riverschick]

Hi Joplus, sounds like a good plan. I am so sorry this is happening to you. at least now you're going to get answers.
Warm Regards,
Karen