Infected Eyes

[Dahlisgrams]

I'm sorry you're going through this.. I too would cull and have a necropsy so you know what you're dealing with.

 

[casportpony]

I'm sorry you're going through this.. I too would cull and have a necropsy so you know what you're dealing with.

Culling is hard for some, easy for others. It's hard for me, so I would have some lab work done.

 

[dawg53]

Most, if not all respiratory diseases are contageous. No matter what medications the birds are treated with, they arnt cured of the disease. If it's a virus, antibiotics are useless. Survivors of respiratory diseases remain carriers for life. Stress will bring out symptoms, then retreatment is necessary. Even then, a more potent medication will most likely be required to suppress symptoms. A closed flock will have to be maintained; no new birds in, no birds out. Alot of diseases are passed through eggs, that means no selling or giving away eggs to be hatched. If a chicken owner wants to spend their money and time on treating sick birds nursemaiding them for the rest of their lives, that's their choice. Personally I'd cull, disinfect everything and wait 6 months before starting over.

 

[Dahlisgrams]

Most, if not all respiratory diseases are contageous. No matter what medications the birds are treated with, they arnt cured of the disease. If it's a virus, antibiotics are useless. Survivors of respiratory diseases remain carriers for life. Stress will bring out symptoms, then retreatment is necessary. Even then, a more potent medication will most likely be required to suppress symptoms. A closed flock will have to be maintained; no new birds in, no birds out. Alot of diseases are passed through eggs, that means no selling or giving away eggs to be hatched. If a chicken owner wants to spend their money and time on treating sick birds nursemaiding them for the rest of their lives, that's their choice. Personally I'd cull, disinfect everything and wait 6 months before starting over.

Completely agree. Culling is never easy, in my humble opinion, but it's a choice I've made several times for the greater good of my flock and have no regrets. When treating would create carriers, I opt to cull, thoroughly disinfect with oxine etc. and wait to repopulate.

Everyone has to make their own choices though, for sure. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[casportpony]

Most, if not all respiratory diseases are contageous. No matter what medications the birds are treated with, they arnt cured of the disease. If it's a virus, antibiotics are useless. Survivors of respiratory diseases remain carriers for life. Stress will bring out symptoms, then retreatment is necessary. Even then, a more potent medication will most likely be required to suppress symptoms. A closed flock will have to be maintained; no new birds in, no birds out. Alot of diseases are passed through eggs, that means no selling or giving away eggs to be hatched. If a chicken owner wants to spend their money and time on treating sick birds nursemaiding them for the rest of their lives, that's their choice. Personally I'd cull, disinfect everything and wait 6 months before starting over.

Harsh, but *very* true! I now have Merek's in my flock, so all I can sell are birds that are going to be butchered right away.

 

[casportpony]

FWIW, both feed stores by me buy and sell diseased birds. I have spoken with the State vet, but he doesn't really care about anything but the reportable diseases that he tests for once a month.

 

[Maiadab]

Here is a picture.



I knew when starting a backyard flock that having to cull birds would be part of the deal. I'm not against it, don't like it but not against it. I understand that even though the other 6 chickens are well that they are carriers and the flock must be closed. I now know that the "reputable" breeder we purchased our hens from sold us contaminated hens.

We never have any intention of having chicks. Our hens are for us to have eggs to eat. With that said I am concerned about recurrence in the other hens. I can't afford to cull all 7 and start over. Once they get a respiratory illness does that mean they are more likely to get it again or does that not have anything to do with it?

Thanks for all the help and feedback.

 

[Haunted55]

FWIW, both feed stores by me buy and sell diseased birds. I have spoken with the State vet, but he doesn't really care about anything but the reportable diseases that he tests for once a month.

Same here Casportpony. I told the state Vet and they just brushed it off. I have Marek's as well and it's a difficult thing to deal with and with the State Vet here telling me that there has been a really serious batch of Marek's mutation all along the East coast this past year you have to wonder.... I ended up culling over 85 birds in 2012. It was not my finest moment shall we say. I have never had plans for selling any of my birds or their eggs. I guess I'm a bit selfish, but in this case it's a good thing. I wouldn't wish this on anyone else. I don't understand the state Vets not doing anything about the hatcheries that are known carriers though. That just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[casportpony]

Can you post a picture of the inside of her mouth? I want to see if there is any pus in the cleft on the roof of her mouth. I think you can pull her through this.

Normal


Pus

 

[Maiadab]

I tried taking pictures tonight but the lighting was poor so they didn't come out. I will try again tomorrow during the day. However, yes the inside of the mouth has pus like your bottom picture shows.