So I have three hens as backyard chickens. I'm pretty sure one is down with Malek and unfortunately did not have the means to separate her until today. She's been going downhill since about a week and a half. I think it is pretty impossible the other two will be carrying it now. It's not my first run with possible Malek. I had some barred rocks that I believe had it. One survived it for over a year while two died within a month of each other. However I'm not convinced they were well bred. One had deformed feet, another had pretty sickly colors when she showed up. They were all already 3 months old when I got them. The barred rocks died the day after acting lethargic and would not eat or drink at all. This one still eats and drinks but I have to put the stuff right in front of her. Her wings and feet still have full range of motion, as do her wings and I can't find anything on her body. She fights me still trying to move her so she isn't paralyzed. Regardless, if she doesn't recover soon, I may have to euthanize her. The vets that used to do chickens in my town have all left recently (weird), so I'd have to find someone who would do the euthanasia... But I have two questions.
1. If new chicks would be added after 3-4 months separated from the two likely carriers I'd have left and the chicks are vaccinated for Malek, how likely are the new birds to catch it if the other two are infected but not showing symptoms (if they survive til winter)? I see where birds can carry it all their lives, does that mean every single day the new ones are in danger of catching it even if they are vaccinated?
2. What chicks can be 100% guaranteed female? I've had bad luck getting chicks cause they seem to always turn out to be roosters and you can't have them in town. Tired of putting in the work to have to give them away after raising them.
3. I've heard there are breeds more resistant to Malek, but web searches seem to contradict each other. Anyone have experience with a breed that doesn't seem to catch it as often.
I hate leaving one hen alone if another one dies. It might not even show signs for another year. Sad to leave a chicken alone that long. That's why I'd want to add new ones, but also do chicks this time to give the other two time to see if they get sick too.
Thank you for any advice and help.
1. If new chicks would be added after 3-4 months separated from the two likely carriers I'd have left and the chicks are vaccinated for Malek, how likely are the new birds to catch it if the other two are infected but not showing symptoms (if they survive til winter)? I see where birds can carry it all their lives, does that mean every single day the new ones are in danger of catching it even if they are vaccinated?
2. What chicks can be 100% guaranteed female? I've had bad luck getting chicks cause they seem to always turn out to be roosters and you can't have them in town. Tired of putting in the work to have to give them away after raising them.
3. I've heard there are breeds more resistant to Malek, but web searches seem to contradict each other. Anyone have experience with a breed that doesn't seem to catch it as often.
I hate leaving one hen alone if another one dies. It might not even show signs for another year. Sad to leave a chicken alone that long. That's why I'd want to add new ones, but also do chicks this time to give the other two time to see if they get sick too.
Thank you for any advice and help.
