MJ's little flock

[ManueB]

I'd forgotten about those awesome videos!

I didn't know them.
I have trouble understanding what they say, but the videos are still interesting.

 

[MaryJanet]

Good thinking to check ! Hopefully not. It seems many times not all the chickens of a flock that is exposed to bacteria or parasite actually get an overload but only the ones whose immune system is a bit more fragile at that moment, or who are more sensitive..

Did the vet mention if there are other options for treatment in lighter case than Metronidazole? It would be sad having to forego all their eggs. But better to have them in good health, of course.

She did and while she didn't mention the name, in the past the hens have been prescribed Lincospectin which is broad-spectrum and has no egg withholding period. It's also very easy to use: you just add it to the water supply.

 

[MaryJanet]

I didn't know them.
I have trouble understanding what they say, but the videos are still interesting.

I've been selectively watching the chicken videos because I'm squeamish. It's fascinating - so many procedures I'd never seen before!

 

[ManueB]

She did and while she didn't mention the name, in the past the hens have been prescribed Lincospectin which is broad-spectrum and has no egg withholding period. It's also very easy to use: you just add it to the water supply.

Both are strictly forbidden for laying chickens in France.
Edit to clarify : some antibiotics just don't have the authorisation for chickens but do for other animals, and some are explicitly forbidden.

 

[MaryJanet]

Both are strictly forbidden for laying chickens in France.
Edit to clarify : some antibiotics just don't have the authorisation for chickens but do for other animals, and some are explicitly forbidden.

I guess contextual factors play a big role in whether an antibiotic is restricted or not.

 

[ManueB]

How is Katie doing today ?

I guess contextual factors play a big role in whether an antibiotic is restricted or not.

There was talk last year of the EU passing a proposal completely banning veterinary antibiotics use, but it didn't happen.
If I understand correctly, legally for the EU chickens are classified in the food production type of animals, as opposite to company animals, which makes a big difference for authorisations.

 

[MaryJanet]

She's much improved and has her appetite and sassy attitude back, although she's not laying yet - I mention laying only as a health indicator.

I'm not well-informed on the whys and wherefors of antibiotic regulation in Australia. I daresay our being a remote island nation is a factor. I know when vets dispense antibiotics, it goes in a centralised register. Maybe there's a distinction between chicken pets and chicken livestock? After I'd agreed to not eat Katie's eggs in the future, Dr Jing asked me how I would tell Katie's eggs from the other hens' eggs. So her commitment to forbidding me from eating the eggs was made very clear.

 

[Shadrach]

I am forming the impression that Australia is just better when it comes to vets for chickens.
It is not just Dr Mark and Dr Jing, the best videos I have seen on chicken medical care are from that Australian vet whose name I am blanking on.

It's either that or MJ has been lucky.
I'm tempted to try a search for exotic species vets rather than avian vet and see what that digs up.

 

[MaryJanet]

It's either that or MJ has been lucky.
I'm tempted to try a search for exotic species vets rather than avian vet and see what that digs up.

I'd be interested to know how that goes.

 

[RoyalChick]

It's either that or MJ has been lucky.
I'm tempted to try a search for exotic species vets rather than avian vet and see what that digs up.

The vet I take chickens to is an exotic animal vet. It basically means she is comfortable with a range of species. She also happens to keep chickens but is in no way a chicken expert.