- Apr 9, 2013
- 4
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One of my chicks was diagnosed with Merik's 4 months ago. I took it to the poultry disease center and the man I talked with could tell I was attached to my little chick and encouraged me to try to save it but warned me the chances were very low that it would survive. I nursed it 24/7 for 4 or so days and it pulled through like a champ and is a huge hen now! She has three surviving sisters that never showed symptoms and look healthy enough. They are all fluffy and shiny. The problem is they won't lay eggs which is the main reason I got chickens. I know now that I should have culled them all when I first noticed the signs, but I thought it was like a cold that could be cured and forgotten. Now I know that they will die from tumors later if they contracted the disease.
Would it be safe for me to buy new fully grown hens or are they likely to get sick?
If the hens I have now started laying eggs would they even be safe to eat?
If I decide to cull, do I have to kill them all or just the affected bird?
Does Marek's stay in the soil? If so, how long?
Thanks so much for any advice you can give.
Would it be safe for me to buy new fully grown hens or are they likely to get sick?
If the hens I have now started laying eggs would they even be safe to eat?
If I decide to cull, do I have to kill them all or just the affected bird?
Does Marek's stay in the soil? If so, how long?
Thanks so much for any advice you can give.