I have a flock of six older girls (the youngest is 3yrs, the oldest is 7yrs) that have come down with some type of respiratory illness. It was the 7yr old that started first with wheezing, gasping for air, gurgling noises, discharge from the nose (yellow). Then two more came down with the same symptoms. All three were lethargic, only drank water and pretty much laid down with their eyes closed. I looked up the symptoms and it sounded like mycoplasma. They don't have any foul odor.
I am at a loss to understand how they came down with it, though. I have another flock of five younger pullets that I've kept separately from the big flock, in the garage. Two weeks ago I got a little rooster from someone, but I've kept him separately as well at night. During the day they all free ranged. He's the only new addition to the flock. He looks healthy, shows no symptoms of disease, and I got him from a responsible lady, who also raises chickens. My first thought was that maybe he had something and spread it to my hens. But it's only in the older ones, not in the pullets. So I'm not sure my theory makes sense.
I've injected them with Tylan 50 for the past two days. One of them looks better, one so-so, but this morning there was an improvement, she came down from the coop. The 7yr old shows little improvement.
I understand that they should be a closed flock now. I never intended to sell them or anything like that. We have them as pets and we eat their eggs.
1. My first question is: after the older girls get better, can I put the younger ones with them? I would hate to, and don't think I have the heart to do it, cull the older flock.
2. The second question: once the hens are free of disease, are the eggs safe to eat? I occasionally give some away to friends, as well.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. I've read a few threads here, and I got some answers, but just want to make sure I'm doing/choosing the right thing.
I am at a loss to understand how they came down with it, though. I have another flock of five younger pullets that I've kept separately from the big flock, in the garage. Two weeks ago I got a little rooster from someone, but I've kept him separately as well at night. During the day they all free ranged. He's the only new addition to the flock. He looks healthy, shows no symptoms of disease, and I got him from a responsible lady, who also raises chickens. My first thought was that maybe he had something and spread it to my hens. But it's only in the older ones, not in the pullets. So I'm not sure my theory makes sense.
I've injected them with Tylan 50 for the past two days. One of them looks better, one so-so, but this morning there was an improvement, she came down from the coop. The 7yr old shows little improvement.
I understand that they should be a closed flock now. I never intended to sell them or anything like that. We have them as pets and we eat their eggs.
1. My first question is: after the older girls get better, can I put the younger ones with them? I would hate to, and don't think I have the heart to do it, cull the older flock.
2. The second question: once the hens are free of disease, are the eggs safe to eat? I occasionally give some away to friends, as well.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. I've read a few threads here, and I got some answers, but just want to make sure I'm doing/choosing the right thing.