Many Chicken Deaths

[mrsbrcant]

The mouth infection could be wet pox. Fowl pox is spread by mosquitoes and then can be spread from bird to bird and it can last in your flock for ages. I had dry pox in my flock. I first noticed it in September and now in January it is finally winding down. Also the wild birds could be the source of infectious diseases. I would definitely want to get a necropsy done on one or more of your birds.

 

[Joshuwawalker]

The necropsy sounds beneficial, but it sounds pricey. The mouth infections I've encountered weren't bumpy like I've read wet pox to be, but did create breathing problems for the ones that had it. It seemed sinus related because mucus from the sinus passage or some kind of wet substance would be in the roof of their mouth and as they ate food it would get stuck. The food dry out and create an obstruction preventing the chickens from eating, drinking, and breathing very well. I saved a rooster and a hen from this illness by using a Q-Tip to clear away the built up food and then began giving them acid water to disinfection their mouth and body. Within three days they both were in perfect condition and still living today. Is it safe to treat the whole flock for disease even if there is no garauntee that the disease is present in all of them?

 

[Joshuwawalker]

I have noticed throughout my time owning chickens that some of my chickens have developed dry pox on the comb or wattles, but I read on this site that it will go away with time. I also understand that exposure to dry pox can cause an outbreak or even cause wet pox. I've read that wet pox is usually fatal and if the mouth infections I have encountered were wet pox then I only lost one out of three. And the one I lost was due to not identifying the problem and treating it in time.

 

[Joshuwawalker]

I just called around to the four different Avian Veteranarins in my area and the cheapest price for a necropsy was $400. I desperately need and want to know what the issues are, but I cannot afford to spend that much on a necropsy at this time. Hopefully, I can figure out the issue through this forum.

 

[wantbantams]

I would buy some denagard. Treat those chickens for a respiratory infection and see how things go. You could also put ACV with Mother in the water. I have had illness in my flock and have tried many things, but the Denagard has been the most successful the fastest. I know what it feels like when a baby dies. I just cry and cry. They are family. I hope that everything works out. Keep loving on them.

 

[aissak]

what is AVC with Mother ? There are so many things I read in this site and I don't have aclue

 

[mrsbrcant]

That's pretty steep. Have you checked your state veterinarian? In California if you have less than 1000 birds at your site (backyard flocks vs commercial poultry farms) a necropsy is free but you have to get your bird to one of the 2 labs in the state which is less convenient than a local private vet.

 

[wantbantams]

It is apple cider vinegar not filtered. You can find it at walmart even. The acid helps to cut through the mucous and it also helps to keep the water dishes clean. It is good for the little guys too. Feel free to ask any questions. I am no expert, but I am more than willing to share what I do know!

 

[nhc]

After losing several chickens (various ages, breeds and origins) this last year we sent the last one that died to our state diagnostic lab at Penn State (http://vbs.psu.edu/adl/services/diagnostic-tests/tests-1/pathology). The necropsy for a backyard chicken was only $35 but we shipped her overnight in a insulated (with cold packs) box. It was overnight FedEx that was expensive (around $50 - i don't remember). And it took me a while to track down appropriate box (try places that have dry ice, fruit mailed). This was a 3 year old hen that did not have chick vaccines and she died of Mareks.

I think i lost a few chicks last summer to cocci even with a cocci vaccine. i have a sick 8 month old right now. i have the form filled out if she dies and i will get another necropsy because i need to understand. Like you, I get attached to my chickens and spend a lot of time picking breeds and breeders and raising and integrating them with the others. when they are sick, i bring them in the house and hand feed and water them if they won't eat. i think i will do a few more necropies and then make some changes in how i manage the flock.

I hope you have a state diagnostic lab with the same kind veterinarians i we have here. after the necropsy, the vet who did it called me and left a detailed message and talked to me for quite a while when i called back. good luck.

 

[casportpony]

I just called around to the four different Avian Veteranarins in my area and the cheapest price for a necropsy was $400. I desperately need and want to know what the issues are, but I cannot afford to spend that much on a necropsy at this time. Hopefully, I can figure out the issue through this forum.

You need to contact a lab, not a vet. This link has a list of labs:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm