My experience dealing with MG (Mycoplasma gallispectum)

[Southernbelle]

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It's looking more and more like I'm the one that will have to do this, too. I don't have any local friends that are farming-type people and I couldn't let them come here even if I did. DH is a city boy and totally freaked out at the thought of culling my birds. I keep remembering something MissPrissy said once that's sticking with me "I gave them a good life and it's my responsibility to give them a good death."

 

[TerriLaChicks]

I am so sorry for you; this is so heartbreaking. I wish I were closer; I too would come & help you.

 

[PurpleChicken]

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MP is a wise woman.

 

[goldeneggtees]

Not sure if I should start a new post or add to this one and I hope I'm not intruding on the thread, but was wondering if you had words of advice on this subject. I purchased 8 b/o chicks from agway, not even sure of what hatchery they are from. They were all supposed to be pullets, however, it seems as if at least 1, and maybe 2 or 3 roos are in there.

Time will tell… Anyway, originally I was thinking of keeping only hens but now that it seems it's quite possible I have a roo, I was thinking well… maybe I'd keep at least one roo and let one hen in particular hatch chicks. Would it be irresponsible of me to do this knowing they may be carriers of the disease? Before I commit to keeping the roo, should I have them tested? And if so, where do you go?

In the store the chicks were kept in a large brooder with other chicks around and there were also adult birds from a local farm on display as the store was celebrating"chick day". What do you guys and gals think?

 

[chickeepoo]

I didn't read this thread until today… left me in tears. I am SO sorry for both what you're going through now emotionally, and what's down the road as you follow through. You are very responsible, and your shared information is going to help prevent a lot more loss in other flocks; I think that's the consolation in this situation, besides seeing how supportive your fellow BYCer's are. Hard as it is now, your new flock will have the advantage now in health… that said, I have to get the gumption up and finish what is evidently a downhill slide with Marek's in some BO's I brought in from outside. Hard (not to mention expensive) lesson, but after culling/disinfecting I will try again with ONLY vaccinated chicks or started chicks from a reputable, certified breeder or hatchery. I hate the idea of having to cull (the culling 2 weeks ago of one of the hens didn't go as smooth as I'd hoped), but it is something that has to be done. Much as I hate it, my heart breaks for you and I'd help you any way I could if I could get there.

Edited for spelling

 

[Southernbelle]

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Oh you have me in tears, too!

Yes, it's so hard to make these decisions and only someone who's been there knows how much this hurts. I'm so sorry for your birds and I'm glad you spoke up. Your support means so much!

 

[Southernbelle]

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You're in the right place because this thread has evolved to include biosecurity in the discussion. If the chicks came from one of the large hatcheries, they are supposed to be free of MG and all the other common avian diseases. So until proven otherwise, I choose to trust those sources.

My state will not test for disease unless you're actually seeing symptoms of something, so I probably wouldn't test before you hatch your own eggs. If they were exposed to this, it would rear it's head within 2 weeks of exposure, so if you've had them isolated on your property at least that long, they're probably fine.

The only thing you can do is be vigilant about security from now on. Get some Oxine and periodically clean the coop and run. Use the Oxine on your shoes if you've been to other people's coops. Don't buy adult birds even if they're free, buy hatching eggs or chicks from a hatchery instead. It would've taken so little effort for me to avoid this.

 

[NotTheMomma]

My heart is breaking for you. I've been reading since you posted, and just WOW, I'm so very sorry!

If I came to help you cull, would it endanger my flock? My oldest are 8 weeks, and youngest is 3 weeks. They all were bought as day olds at either TSC or our local farm store.

Gosh I just can't imagine having to do what you're doing. I know you've gotta be shell shocked, as well as heartbroken.

Huge hugs, and prayers your way hun.

As you know, I'm not that far away if you do need help. HUGS!

 

[goldeneggtees]

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You're in the right place because this thread has evolved to include biosecurity in the discussion. If the chicks came from one of the large hatcheries, they are supposed to be free of MG and all the other common avian diseases. So until proven otherwise, I choose to trust those sources.

My state will not test for disease unless you're actually seeing symptoms of something, so I probably wouldn't test before you hatch your own eggs. If they were exposed to this, it would rear it's head within 2 weeks of exposure, so if you've had them isolated on your property at least that long, they're probably fine.

The only thing you can do is be vigilant about security from now on. Get some Oxine and periodically clean the coop and run. Use the Oxine on your shoes if you've been to other people's coops. Don't buy adult birds even if they're free, buy hatching eggs or chicks from a hatchery instead. It would've taken so little effort for me to avoid this.

Hi Karen, thanks for your response. I am very sorry for what you are going through right now. What has happened to you could easily happen to any of us. If I did not read your story, I for one would have not had a clue about this disease and the threat it is to our flocks.

You know, if each of us goes back into our past actions, I think we have all done something or been somewhere that could ultimately bring home this disease. The farm I buy feed from is an example. There are loads of chickens there and who knows what I may have inadvertantly brought back on my feet after my visit. It's sad that it can be so easily transmitted. The first key is education and getting the word out. Now that we are all aware, we can take actions against it.

I already have Oxine but have no idea what I am doing with it. I will use it when I clean our coop next time though, that's for sure. I've already used it once but hope I used the right mix of water and solution and that I sprayed enough.

My thoughts are with you, I hope you are back up and running soon. Sincerely, howlinggood (Donna from Long Island) :–)

 

[NotTheMomma]

You know, through your ordeal, it possibly saved my own flock. As you know I've been wanting an EE rooster. Well, someone had one on craigslist, I had written and was going to get it. Then this happened with your flock, and I backed out of it. Explaining I was scared to bring in an 8 week old due to possible illnesses. The person was kinda upset, and defensive, but at least my flock remains a closed flock!

I think I'll just hope that my Eeyore really is a rooster, and that he'll be capable of breeding, and keep a closed flock!

Just let a few of my hens raise some chicks so I can have replacements when mine get too old to lay. It's so scary!