After a month of sneezes & frantic research, I think my flock has MG.
I can't describe the distress this has caused me, both financially and most emotionally, so I won't dwell on that. But I want to be responsible; so am destroying the entire flock. My mother's turkeys, and the quail will follow them to freezer-land.
I'm only keeping the younger layers long enough to get some eggs, and make back a little money to pay for the new flock. (of course this would happen JUST as they're reaching laying age!) My grandfather has a piece of land far from any animals, where I'll move these "Death Row" chickens. That way I can scorch and bleach and disinfect my property.
My questions are these:
1. Are the turkeys safe to eat? One source I read said that turkeys with "airsacculitis" resultant from MG are not suitable for consumption, but I haven't been able to find a good definition of what airsacculitis looks like in the carcass, or while they're still alive. They are not showing any MG symptoms, but it's more than likely that they have it, as they're housed near the affected chickens.
2. Would it be terribly, horribly irresponsible to give my handful of pet fancy chickens away? With complete disclosure about the MG & to someone who would keep a closed, bio-secure flock? Maybe someone who wants them just for eggs, so no chance of breeding MG+ birds. I just can't fathom the thought of killing my friendly babies!
But if I have to, I have to.
I can't describe the distress this has caused me, both financially and most emotionally, so I won't dwell on that. But I want to be responsible; so am destroying the entire flock. My mother's turkeys, and the quail will follow them to freezer-land.
I'm only keeping the younger layers long enough to get some eggs, and make back a little money to pay for the new flock. (of course this would happen JUST as they're reaching laying age!) My grandfather has a piece of land far from any animals, where I'll move these "Death Row" chickens. That way I can scorch and bleach and disinfect my property.
My questions are these:
1. Are the turkeys safe to eat? One source I read said that turkeys with "airsacculitis" resultant from MG are not suitable for consumption, but I haven't been able to find a good definition of what airsacculitis looks like in the carcass, or while they're still alive. They are not showing any MG symptoms, but it's more than likely that they have it, as they're housed near the affected chickens.
2. Would it be terribly, horribly irresponsible to give my handful of pet fancy chickens away? With complete disclosure about the MG & to someone who would keep a closed, bio-secure flock? Maybe someone who wants them just for eggs, so no chance of breeding MG+ birds. I just can't fathom the thought of killing my friendly babies!
