Newbie and so many issues!!!

[Folly's place]

Welcome! So sorry, but it's great that you are having testing done, and getting answers. Good for you!
Mycoplasma comes in several 'flavors', and the serious ones can't be eliminated from the flock. Find out exactly what your birds have, because it may be necessary to depopulate, clean, wait a month, and start over. I'd cry if it happened here!
It's safest to get chicks vaccinated against Marek's disease from a good hatchery, isolate them from your environment, and have healthy young birds.
I never bring in birds from other's flocks!
Mary

 

[PermieNerdVA]

Hi Mary! The report says M. Synoviae, which I have read is "subclinical" and only really affects the flock if there are other illnesses at work. Since the lab didn't test for Marek's and other illnesses, I am not sure what to do at this point. Because the rooster is beating up on the remaining hens that I do have, I wanted to augment the flock with new Brahmas, but I don't want to propagate a disease that could affect any future breeding. So I am sadly stumped at the moment. I don't want to destroy my chickens without finding out if they're seriously affected, but I also don't want others to get sick... what would you all do in this situation??

 

[aart]

Boy, that's a toughie.
Chances are the disease came in with the birds and they probably all carry it.
You can either live with the risk and possible subsequent outbreaks,
or start clean with new birds from another source.

My take is that most birds carry some disease and the healthier ones will survive it as will their offspring. I hatch from my own birds and no longer bring other birds in unless they are day old chicks. I too started with an adults with babies flock, thus have been fighting lice, leg mites, leukosis(found on DIY necropsy), and some mild respiratory issues for 4 years. I do not use antibiotics or have my birds tested. But they are food, not pets.

 

[Folly's place]

Given that these birds are few, and new to you, and you do want a nice flock in the future, I think depopulating, cleaning, and starting over is your best plan. Get some tested for Marek's disease, because that's long-term on your property, and only vaccinated chicks will do well.
These birds won't ever really be healthy; start over!
Talk to your avian vet, and your state poultry expert at the university if there is one, for more detailed information.
Again, I'm so sorry.
Mary