Need Help — Contagion Concerns

[RDchicken99]

Hello, all.

To preface this, I watch my elderly neighbors' animals for a few days every year as they travel out of state for the Thanksgiving weekend. They recently bought some young layers from a large battery operation, so those ladies were added to the list of critters to watch.

My initial plan was to wear another pair of boots in their coop, but now I've got a bigger problem. When I was being shown where feed etc. was, I noticed one of the hens looking poorly; puffed feathers, shaking head, very pale and swollen comb.

This morning there were more birds with symptoms. Two had a gurgling/warbling sound in either their throats or on an inhale, and another had the paled, puffy comb and eye area.

Neighbors will be back in a day, but I still have to enter in and out of the coop for another night and morning, and potentially again-- what measures do I need to take to protect my own flock? I am changing boots and outerwear between coops and hand-washing excessively.

All help is appreciated. Very concerned for my girls.

 

[nuthatched]

Can you get a painting suit?

 

[RDchicken99]

Can you get a painting suit?

Unfortunately, no. What would do as a substitute? All I've got at the moment is trash-bagging my boots and long latex gloves.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Not to make matters worse, but they don't have Bird Flu, do they?

What about getting a couple of those plastic rain ponchos from Walmart? That could cover some of you, then of course, anything you wear under it throw immediately into the washer with hot water, then wash up, even if it means taking a hot shower each time. Anything that touches the ground there don't let it touch your ground, even if it's your car's tires.

Sadly, I don't know how close these neighbors are, but if it is the Bird Flu, wild birds can be carriers. Thankfully most birds should have migrated, though there's always a few around. Careful about the State finding out though.

 

[nuthatched]

Unfortunately, no. What would do as a substitute? All I've got at the moment is trash-bagging my boots and long latex gloves.

That sounds good, I'd also lysol your car and anything by touch in the way in

 

[RDchicken99]

Not to make matters worse, but they don't have Bird Flu, do they?

What about getting a couple of those plastic rain ponchos from Walmart? That could cover some of you, then of course, anything you wear under it throw immediately into the washer with hot water, then wash up, even if it means taking a hot shower each time. Anything that touches the ground there don't let it touch your ground, even if it's your car's tires.

Sadly, I don't know how close these neighbors are, but if it is the Bird Flu, wild birds can be carriers. Thankfully most birds should have migrated, though there's always a few around. Careful about the State finding out though.

Oh dear.
Thank you so much for your advice.

I have someone that hasn't set foot at my neighbors that is able to watch my own birds for the time being.
I'm disinfecting the car and other surfaces.

What is the incubation time for AI so I can keep a close eye on my own flock?

Again, thank you. Love my girls, very stressed for them atm.

 

[RDchicken99]

That sounds good, I'd also lysol your car and anything by touch in the way in

Will do.