Immunity boosters?

[vicChickenLover]

This isn't an emergency, just a general question really.

My whole flock of 5 have a chronic respiratory disease and one is currently quite inflamed and painfully pussy.

I'm just wondering if anybody knows of any immunity "boosting" foods for chickens?
I know that garlic is supposedly good.
I'm just trying to think of ways that I can improve their general immunity over time so that during times of stress for the flock I don't have 5 very sick, miserable chickens to nurture back to health. I want their little chicken bodies to do most of the disease fighting rather than myself and anti-biotics.
So I'm looking for a variety of things I can feed them that would help develop their immunity.

Any advice is much appreciated, thank you

 

[Wyandottes7]

I've heard that its good to give them turmeric. It has many natural healing properties. However, I've never given it to my birds before.

 

[Michael Apple]

This isn't an emergency, just a general question really.

My whole flock of 5 have a chronic respiratory disease and one is currently quite inflamed and painfully pussy.

I'm just wondering if anybody knows of any immunity "boosting" foods for chickens?
I know that garlic is supposedly good.
I'm just trying to think of ways that I can improve their general immunity over time so that during times of stress for the flock I don't have 5 very sick, miserable chickens to nurture back to health. I want their little chicken bodies to do most of the disease fighting rather than myself and anti-biotics.
So I'm looking for a variety of things I can feed them that would help develop their immunity.

Any advice is much appreciated, thank you

Garlic certainly has antibacterial qualities and purifies blood. It is a good supplement to use. Some mix garlic oil on occasion, or press it then add to feed, and some feed formulations sold by mills contain it in their ingredients. Of course, like many supplements, overuse can cause problems. The intestinal tract is the core of the immune system so digestibility is important when considering supplementation or diet. The regiment of using lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus strains are one of the most beneficial things you can do, since a healthy intestinal tract absorbs nutrients more efficiently, and helps resist disease:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03164.x/abstract

Probios dispersible powder and Fastrack are a few quality brands readily absorbed by supplementing waterers. Of course, supplementing vitamins & minerals during growth, breeding season, moult, changes in environment will also keep the immune system strong. Following manufacturer label and dosage instructions is always important.

 

[vicChickenLover]

Tumeric makes sense because it is beneficial to humans too.

I didn't know the intestines were so important, so that is definitely something good to know

I wanted a few different things so I could kind-of rotate through them, I figured variety is better for them rather than continuous doses of the same thing building up.

 

[Michael Apple]

Tumeric makes sense because it is beneficial to humans too.

I didn't know the intestines were so important, so that is definitely something good to know

I wanted a few different things so I could kind-of rotate through them, I figured variety is better for them rather than continuous doses of the same thing building up.

When you stated your flock of 5 have CRD, I'd be more concerned about whether it was viral or not.

 

[dawg53]

CRD is mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG.) I dont know how the OP came to that conclusion without confirmation from bloodwork or necropsy.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

There is a blood test for mycoplasma. It may be worth knowing what you are dealing with and so you may want to consider calling a vet to ask about it and the cost.
ETA: Oh dawg53 already mentioned that.

 

[Michael Apple]

CRD is mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG.) I dont know how the OP came to that conclusion without confirmation from bloodwork or necropsy.

X2. Commonly known as MG for sure, dawg. Though many people jump to the conclusion their birds have CRD when any respiratory problems are exhibited. You know it can be bacterial, air sac mites, etc., and not always viral. You know chickens open mouth breathe when they are uncomfortable too. I would sacrifice one to the lab to find out what I'm dealing with.

 

[vicChickenLover]

I know it is mycoplasma gallisepticum because a vet has told me so regarding two members of my flock, and they are all exhibiting the same symptoms and the vet confirmed that considering the birds I took to her had been infected for at least a month the whole flock is most certainly infected.

 

[dawg53]

I know it is mycoplasma gallisepticum because a vet has told me so regarding two members of my flock, and they are all exhibiting the same symptoms and the vet confirmed that considering the birds I took to her had been infected for at least a month the whole flock is most certainly infected.

If your birds survive, they will be carriers for life. You must maintain a closed flock. No new birds in, no birds out and no hatching eggs to be given away or sold.
You want to experiment with natural products to build immunity in your birds during times of stress. There have been millions and millions of dollars spent trying to treat and cure mycoplasma diseases using all kinds of products, both natural and man made without success. The only cure is to cull suffering sick birds, disinfect everything and start over a couple weeks later. Check with your vet, he'll tell you the same thing if he hasnt already done so.