INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Leahs Mom]

Posting this just for a handy reference.


Disclaimer: for most small flocks that get out on "healthy" ground (not impacted, muddy ground), aren't raised in overcrowded housing, have fresh water, ARE NOT ROUTINELY GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS, etc. you are very unlikely to have one of these. Most of what's on the list are diseases of CAFO type situations in which the birds are overcrowded and fed antibiotics to encourage growth and prevent the diseases of overcrowding.

So, with that said:

area; inflamed vent area; increased appetite

How contracted: Fungal disease; contracted through moldy feed and water and surfaces contaminated by infected birds. Often occurs after antibiotic treatment for other reasons.

Treatment: Yes. Ask a vet for Nystatin or other antifungal medication. Remove moldy feed and disinfect water containers.

Vaccine available: No.




Mycoplasmosis/CRD/Air Sac Disease:

Symptoms: Mild form — weakness and poor laying. Acute form — breathing problems, coughing, sneezing, swollen infected joints, death

How contracted: Mycoplasma disease; contracted through other birds (wild birds carry it); can transmit through egg to chick from infected hen.

Treatment: Antibiotics may save birds — see a vet.

Vaccine available: Yes.



Newcastle Disease:

Symptoms: Wheezing, breathing difficulty, nasal discharge, cloudy eyes, laying stops, paralysis of legs, wings, twisted heads, necks

How contracted: Viral disease; highly contagious; contracted through infected chickens and wild birds and is also carried on shoes, clothes, and surfaces.

Treatment: None. Birds under 6 months usually die; older birds can recover. Recovered birds are not carriers.

Vaccine available: Yes, but the U.S. is working to eradicate the disease.




Omphalitis (Mushy Chick):

Symptoms: Newly hatched chicks — enlarged, bluish, inflamed naval area, bad smell, drowsy, weak chicks

How contracted: Bacterial infection of naval from unclean surfaces or chicks with weak immune systems. Can spread from chick to chick on contaminated surfaces.

Treatment: Antibiotics and clean housing sometimes help, but most chicks will die. Remove healthy chicks immediately to clean quarters.

Vaccine available: None. Use caution handling — staph and strep that cause this disease may infect humans.



Pullorum:

Symptoms: Chicks are inactive, may have white diarrhea with pasted rear ends, breathing difficulty, or die without symptoms. Older birds — coughing, sneezing, poor laying.

How contracted: Viral disease; contracted through carrier birds and contaminated surfaces, clothing, and shoes.

Treatment: Destroy all infected birds — birds that recover are carriers. Most chicks infected will die.

Vaccine available: No vaccine, but there is a blood test to find carriers. While the U.S. is trying to eradicate this disease, buy chickens from Pullorum-negative flocks only.

 

[atrueb00]

I got some pics of my youngest silkies. I got quite the variety this year lol

Looking good! Hard to sex though, which is a good thing

Short answer: If you volunteer for things at the library, park district, 4H, your kids' school, etc. Your name (& names of your chickens) will spread. See below. Long answer: Because I'm a science teacher (now a "stay at home Mom") several people know me &/or my kids. When I 1st began this "stay at home" phase, I had a small baby who couldn't talk. I missed the constant daily interaction of having 400+ tweens around. I began small home-school science classes in my living room (during nap time) & volunteered to teach similar lessons at the public library. Later as my daughter & I took those baby classes together, I soon found myself co- teaching them. Then I was hired by the park district - a job I never even applied or asked for. As my children grew older, I started guest teaching in their schools, then the school district, etc. Last year, my daughter joined 4H. She did a poultry science project, won Best in Show as an 8 yr old, and was in several local papers. Because word was out that we had chickens, the local preschools wanted to hatch eggs, the park district wanted a poultry class, my science students wanted to study embryology, etc. A nearby museum has an annual fall festival, so they contacted 4H for some animals. Of course, my daughter got a call since we live close. We're not a farm but a suburban family. We have incredible neighbors who are not simply supportive, but encouraged & pitched in when we decided to get chickens. Our chickens happen to be local celebrities. When playing a classroom Jeopardy game at my daughter's school, one of the frivolous bonus questions was to name all of our chickens. (Not just the 2 I had with me) It was surprising that most of the children could name all 9! How did they know?? Note: I say "stay at home mom" in jest b/c I'm rarely home. Besides the being known as the local singing science teacher & chicken "expert" (again not really accurate), I am also called the Monarch lady, Frog catcher, Backyard Bug Camp Leader, and ____'s & ____'s mom. Many of these jobs I do not get paid for, but it just shows how much I enjoy them.

Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate the details.

WTG! I commend you for caring, pretty awesome with having so much on your plate! Totally agree, just jump in and become a part of something you love, like our thread for me. 3 years ago, if you told me I would have a poultry farm, I probably would have laughed! (or started 6 months sooner ) My neighbors will stop in anytime someone finds a stray bird, be it a duck, chicken or even guineas. They often see them out in the field and yard here, so they all know the birds are here lol. I have a few folks that love duck eggs, never have enough. My neighbor north and west of me now also own flocks. its contagious! I donate hatching eggs to anyone that provides programs for schools/park programs. That's a great way to help. I can't volunteer much, but will sure help someone if I have the time or resources to do it. Its a really good feeling to take in a few birds that need a home, then to find a family less fortunate to help start a small flock with a few adult hens. The birds and that family both get a good start in another chapter of their lives. I do always tell anyone that gets birds from me, they are always welcome back.

X2 on the WTG! Just love reading about how others are getting active in the community to spread chicken love.

Posting this just for a handy reference. Disclaimer: for most small flocks that get out on "healthy" ground (not impacted, muddy ground), aren't raised in overcrowded housing, have fresh water, ARE NOT ROUTINELY GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS, etc. you are very unlikely to have one of these. Most of what's on the list are diseases of CAFO type situations in which the birds are overcrowded and fed antibiotics to encourage growth and prevent the diseases of overcrowding. So, with that said:

Very helpful info!

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

[COLOR=900000]Any rattling or clicking when they are breathing? Is there a foul odor with the crust on that hen's eye? What kind of bedding do they have and did you recently change it, or is it possible it got wet in spots without you noticing? Are you seeing any symptoms at all in any of your other birds (turkeys, etc.)? Respiratory symptoms, unfortunately, are bad news a lot of the time, especially when it involves multiple birds or appears to be spreading. :/ It could be as simple as mold spores, but it could also be pretty bad, depending on the symptoms.



ETA: Just to make it clear, chickens do not get colds. That is why cold-like symptoms in chickens are nothing to take lightly.[/COLOR]

I was just about to put they don't get colds-but you have got it taken are of! I also agree that cold like symptoms need to be taken seriously.

[COLOR=900000]Now, what I originally came here for. Here's the progress we made on the duck coop yesterday! (Painting snobs avert your eyes. )

This was just the first coat of paint, so as you can see, it'll need a touch up on the painting. Look, a window! [/COLOR]

[COLOR=900000]We didn't quite finish the siding for this wall yesterday: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=900000]This wall is hard to get a full picture of, but here's where the duck door will be. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=900000]I'm too short to get a good picture of the rafters. I tried a few angles, though. Here is from the side / trying to look at them from above: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=900000]Laying on the duck coop floor and looking up. I can do this right now because the coop is not occupied yet. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=900000]A couple looks at the ventilation the coop will have. The windows will be summertime ventilation, hinged at the top so that they can be propped open to let air in. The top 8 inches or so of the back wall will all also be ventilation. I figure if it's too much for wintertime ventilation, I can tack some plastic or cloth over some of these openings.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=900000]All along the overhang of the rafters here will also be ventilation. The overhang is around 6 inches, I think.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=900000]Today, if all goes according to plan, we'll finish the walls, get the plywood up for the roof, work on the doors, and finish painting the outside. [/COLOR]

It looks great!

 

[SallyinIndiana]

I've seen it posted here several times that chickens don't get colds. I have to ask, why not? what are they doing that makes them avoid it? or is it their biology that just won't allow for a cold?

editing to say I'm not disagreeing with the statement, just curious.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

I've seen it posted here several times that chickens don't get colds.  I have to ask, why not?  what are they doing that makes them avoid it?  or is it their biology that just won't allow for a cold?


editing to say I'm not disagreeing with the statement, just curious.

Chickens can not get the rhinovirus that causes the common cold.Neither can dogs. Instead chickens get things like MS, MG, and CRD instead. All of which are contagious and once they get it they are carries for life.

 

[kabhyper1]

Chickens can't get colds. Cccccccchickens is right. However they can get sinus and nasal irritation from their environment that isn't a disease. I consulted a vet about Lily's respiratory issues and although she doesn't have MG or any other disease, she does get sinus swelling and if not addressed immediately, her face will swell and she will get bubbly eyes. The vet thinks she is extra sensitive to dust and cold, and she may have a deformed sinus. The reason we use antibiotics on her is to prevent the bacteria in her sinus' from getting out of control making her sicker. She has no other symptoms when she gets it, and none of our flock has ever had anything even close to what she gets. She is peppy and hungry and totally normal even when her face is swollen up. She is an unusual case though, and I wouldn't jump right to antibiotics unless a vet tells you it is needed or the majority of the flock has symptoms, or a bird is very ill and you know what you are treating. Symptoms should definitely be addressed, but there are what I call first response things to do before jumping to meds. Natural medicating, I.E. Acv, garlic, pro-biotics, vet rx,oils... etc should be tried before a harsh antibiotic. Sometimes just cleaning the coop and sterilizing helps if it is just irritation. I have a hen that sneezes when she eats because she is a pig and inhales her food. LOL Anyway just my 2 cents .

I'm still learning everyday. I'm editing to add, I will never breed Lily. I don't want to pass her issue down to chicks.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Chickens can not get the rhinovirus that causes the common cold.Neither can dogs. Instead chickens get things like MS, MG, and CRD instead. All of which are contagious and once they get it they are carries for life.

Chickens can't get colds. Cccccccchickens is right. However they can get sinus and nasal irritation from their environment that isn't a disease. I consulted a vet about Lily's respiratory issues and although she doesn't have MG or any other disease, she does get sinus swelling and if not addressed immediately, her face will swell and she will get bubbly eyes. The vet thinks she is extra sensitive to dust and cold, and she may have a deformed sinus. The reason we use antibiotics on her is to prevent the bacteria in her sinus' from getting out of control making her sicker. She has no other symptoms when she gets it, and none of our flock has ever had anything even close to what she gets. She is peppy and hungry and totally normal even when her face is swollen up. She is an unusual case though, and I wouldn't jump right to antibiotics unless a vet tells you it is needed or the majority of the flock has symptoms, or a bird is very ill and you know what you are treating. Symptoms should definitely be addressed, but there are what I call first response things to do before jumping to meds. Natural medicating, I.E. Acv, garlic, pro-biotics, vet rx,oils... etc should be tried before a harsh antibiotic. Sometimes just cleaning the coop and sterilizing helps if it is just irritation. I have a hen that sneezes when she eats because she is a pig and inhales her food. LOL Anyway just my 2 cents .   I'm still learning everyday. I'm editing to add, I will never breed Lily. I don't want to pass her issue down to chicks.

Yup, this and this! And Kab is right, you have to use logic when looking at this. That's why, since only a few of Racin's birds out of about a hundred birds are showing symptoms, it doesn't seem likely (in my opinion) that it's something any worse than an environmental irritation. MG, Coryza, and those other ugly diseases are highly contagious, and it isn't likely that it would stop at only a few individuals unless the rest of the birds are already carrying it. I, myself, have a little hen with frequent issues with her sinuses, likely as a result of her previous owner's horrendously botched debeaking. :/ Since she is the only hen to show symptoms and she has a pretty obvious reason for it, I really doubt it means my flock is horribly ill.

It should be noted, however, that one can never be absolutely sure whether it's something serious or not unless they have their bird tested for respiratory diseases. It can be assumed, but never known for sure.

I also wanted to add I agree with Kab on treatment--I misworded my last post. I really meant that Tylan actually is good stuff and I would recommend it for outbreaks of respiratory symptoms or a single bird with severe respiratory symptoms. If it's just a bit of sneezing in a few individuals, I'd probably go for that stuff that you dab around their nostrils (Vet Rx, I think?). Yet again, why I shouldn't try to think before I've had breakfast.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

[COLOR=900000]Well, I'm exhausted! We've finished up the siding and got the doors and roof onto the duck coop. I also got the first coat of paint on the doors and the second coat on the outside walls. Other than spilling half a can of paint and struggling to get the human door on just so, it all went together pretty well! I'm not even going to think about how much paint is on my hands and face (and clothes and hair and, well, you get the idea). It's looking more and more like a coop!

No pictures again, it was too dark by the time I was done painting. [/COLOR]

 

[Leahs Mom]

Good points that it may just be a dust issue, or even with the changing weather, things in the air like different pollens, etc.

I reserve an antibiotic for EMERGENCY use only as antibiotic resistance isn't something to take lightly. When an antibiotic is given it will be in your litter and the ground in your runs, etc. from droppings. So it doesn't just effect one bird; it effects the environment that they are all in by encouraging antibiotic resistant bacteria in your animal environment.

Then there is the issue that Kab discussed - getting gut flora (where the immune system gains much of it's strength) out of balance which puts the animal at greater risk of not being able to resist other issues when it becomes over populated with yeasts that weaken the animal even more. It's like a vicious circle.


I highly recommend Avi-Culture II avian probiotics that can be added to feed either occasionally or to rebuild after an antibiotic. It is the ONLY avian probiotic on the market that is NOT GROWN ON A GMO SUBSTRATE. They often claim 'GMO FREE' but they are not taking into account the SUBSTRATE on which the bacteria is grown when they state that. When asked directly, there is no manufacturer of probiotics that would state that the substrate was not GMO. Except for AVI culture. When it's a gmo substrate, glyphosate or other herbicides/pesticides contaminate the product and change the biology of the items grown on them.

Anyhow... I don't sell Avi-Culture II....but I could if I thought I'd have enough customers. Anyhow, I recommend it based on it's sound manufacture and the fact that it is made for avian use.

You can tell them where you heard about it. He appreciates knowing that I recommend them. http://www.avi-culture.com/shop.html

And...the website is pretty bad P) But the product is good. The small container lasts a long time depending on the number of birds you have.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

Chickens can't get colds. Cccccccchickens is right. However they can get sinus and nasal irritation from their environment that isn't a disease. I consulted a vet about Lily's respiratory issues and although she doesn't have MG or any other disease, she does get sinus swelling and if not addressed immediately, her face will swell and she will get bubbly eyes. The vet thinks she is extra sensitive to dust and cold, and she may have a deformed sinus. The reason we use antibiotics on her is to prevent the bacteria in her sinus' from getting out of control making her sicker. She has no other symptoms when she gets it, and none of our flock has ever had anything even close to what she gets. She is peppy and hungry and totally normal even when her face is swollen up. She is an unusual case though, and I wouldn't jump right to antibiotics unless a vet tells you it is needed or the majority of the flock has symptoms, or a bird is very ill and you know what you are treating. Symptoms should definitely be addressed, but there are what I call first response things to do before jumping to meds. Natural medicating, I.E. Acv, garlic, pro-biotics, vet rx,oils... etc should be tried before a harsh antibiotic. Sometimes just cleaning the coop and sterilizing helps if it is just irritation. I have a hen that sneezes when she eats because she is a pig and inhales her food. LOL Anyway just my 2 cents .   I'm still learning everyday. I'm editing to add, I will never breed Lily. I don't want to pass her issue down to chicks.

Well yes there are- I don't know what to call them "circumstantial flare ups" that mean nothing in term of diseases. Like lily's situation. Or sometime when my birds eat too fast (especially in my meat birds) they will choke and sneeze or cough a little. Or they will get water in there nostrils and sneeze to try and get it out. Stuff like that obviously isn't a disease.

Good points that it may just be a dust issue, or even with the changing weather, things in the air like different pollens, etc.

I reserve an antibiotic for EMERGENCY use only as antibiotic resistance isn't something to take lightly.  When an antibiotic is given it will be in your litter and the ground in your runs, etc. from droppings.  So it doesn't just effect one bird; it effects the environment that they are all in by encouraging antibiotic resistant bacteria in your animal environment.

Then there is the issue that Kab discussed - getting gut flora (where the immune system gains much of it's strength) out of balance which puts the animal at greater risk of not being able to resist other issues when it becomes over populated with yeasts that weaken the animal even more.  It's like a vicious circle.


I highly recommend Avi-Culture II avian probiotics that can be added to feed either occasionally or to rebuild after an antibiotic.  It is the ONLY avian probiotic on the market that is NOT GROWN ON A GMO SUBSTRATE.  They often claim 'GMO FREE' but they are not taking into account the SUBSTRATE on which the bacteria is grown when they state that.  When asked directly, there is no manufacturer of probiotics that would state that the substrate was not GMO.  Except for AVI culture.  When it's a gmo substrate, glyphosate or other herbicides/pesticides contaminate the product and change the biology of the items grown on them.

Anyhow... I don't sell Avi-Culture II....but I could if I thought I'd have enough customers.  Anyhow, I recommend it based on it's sound manufacture and the fact that it is made for avian use.

You can tell them where you heard about it.  He appreciates knowing that I recommend them.  http://www.avi-culture.com/shop.html

And...the website is pretty bad P)  But the product is good.  The small container lasts a long time depending on the number of birds you have.

I don't really like to use antibiotics either. I feel like a lot of times it just covers up the problem temporarily. I can't recall of a time I have ever used an antibiotic in my chickens. The only thing I have used on chickens is both forms of sac a chick, vet rx (which I don use anymore because it is glorified Vicks vapor rub), and calf manna powder.