Mysterious disease...what on earth is it, and how do I cure it??

[leadwolf1]

If the chicks weren't exposed, I wouldn't medicate...the reason? I would be afraid that if I used the medicine before the illness, it would build up a resistance and I wouldn't be able to use it in the future.

 

[BirdyMe]

If the chicks weren't exposed, I wouldn't medicate...the reason? I would be afraid that if I used the medicine before the illness, it would build up a resistance and I wouldn't be able to use it in the future.

Ah, that makes perfect sense! I'll go ahead an pass on the chicks for now then. Thank you so much!! I hope this works out!

 

[speckledhen]

Just remember that you cannot actually cure Coryza or MG. The birds will remain carriers and be able to infect others indefinitely, perhaps for the rest of their lives. That is why long time chicken keepers never treat them, they separate then cull the birds as fast as possible. If you choose to treat it, you must be aware of this and exercise caution and be ethical in never selling those birds to anyone. It's one of those harsh realities of owning a flock, unfortunately.

 

[leadwolf1]

Agreed. As an owner of a Marek's infected flock, you have to make sure that you never pass these diseases on to someone else. I only wish whoever passed it to me would have been as considerate.

Just remember that you cannot actually cure Coryza or MG. The birds will remain carriers and be able to infect others indefinitely, perhaps for the rest of their lives. That is why long time chicken keepers never treat them, they separate then cull the birds as fast as possible. If you choose to treat it, you must be aware of this and exercise caution and be ethical in never selling those birds to anyone. It's one of those harsh realities of owning a flock, unfortunately.

 

[BirdyMe]

Yes, I'm really bummed out about that. I don't sell any of my birds as of now, and don't plan too, but still.....I'm worried about bringing in new birds. I do a lot of community rescues. This stinks.

@leadwolf1- I know what you mean. Last fall, right before my flock came down with this for the first time, I had rescued 45 birds. Apparently, the lady that had them didn't take the best care of them. I got some Barred Rocks from her that were in terrible shape! I think that's how the MG was carried here in the first place.