Post mortem - *graphic* 3 massive lash eggs found

[staceyj]

Thanks for sharing such an important finding. It is the only way we all learn.
I am sorry for your loss and admire your determination to get to the bottom of your mystery. To me that shows your dedication to your flock's wellbeing.

 

[micstrachan]

I'm very sorry for your losses. I've lost several to this, all hatchery birds, my heritage breed birds and my own hatches have not had issues with it, at least so far. Certainly not a scientific study, just my experience. Here are some links, and there is somewhat conflicting information about effectiveness of treatment. I have treated some when it appeared to be fairly early on, and have not personally had any success, they succumb eventually. You can search for even more info.
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/134/salpingitis/
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/12/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...e-video-graphic-photos.1201052/#post-19020612
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/disorders-of-the-reproductive-system/salpingitis-in-poultry
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/salpingitis

I have a dumb question on this. What exactly are heritage breeds , and how does one go about getting them as chicks? I can’t seem to find a consistent answer on either question. Thanks.

 

[coach723]

I have a dumb question on this. What exactly are heritage breeds , and how does one go about getting them as chicks? I can’t seem to find a consistent answer on either question. Thanks.

Definitely NOT a dumb question! Basically heritage breeds are breeds that have been around for a very long time, are very hardy, and have not been hybridized (cross-bred) to enhance a particular characteristic, like prolific egg laying or rapid and large growth for meat purposes. And they are not all 'exotic". So you may get a few less eggs over the lifetime, but they tend to be longer lived. Sometimes they may take a little more effort to acquire, but often you can find them locally, depending on where you are. Hatchery chicks are mass bred and produced with less concern about outcomes like long lifespan and long term health, and tend toward the prolific layers, hybrids, and meat birds. I'm not disparaging them, they serve a purpose and it's just a matter of what you want and how you view your birds and their purpose. Here is a good source to get started reading, it lists breeds and has a breeders directory: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/heritage-chicken

 

[micstrachan]

That is helpful. Thank you. So, if I understand correctly, to be considered heritage, chickens not only must be a certain breed, but must also have parents who meet a certain standard and have certain ancestry. Is that correct? How is this documented? It looks like getting a variety of breeds of heritage chickens in California will prove challenging for me.
I have a flock (I’m in my second year) of nine mixed breed, all hatchery chickens. Already lost a New Hampshire Red (who would be considered a heritage breed, right? even though she was clearly not a heritage chicken and was dainty to begin with) to reproductive issues. I am concerned for the fate of the rest of them, as I thought New Hampshire Reds were supposed to be hearty.

Sorry about hijacking tbe thread.

 

[coach723]

It's true that they must meet the standard to be a true heritage breed bird, I'm not an expert, but my understanding is that there is really no 'control' of it, to get a true heritage bird you need to deal with a reputable breeder and do your homework. A reputable breeder really cares about the standard for the breed they are raising. I suppose if you are showing birds, or breeding for sale, it would be much more comprehensive as far as proof, I don't show so I'm not really knowledgeable about that. I know that most hatchery chicks sold as Rhode Island Reds for example, don't meet the standard for the breed (they are not nearly as deeply colored), and are probably from very impure lines. I have bought 'heritage breed' birds locally that have done very well, whether they actually met the strict standard or not, I don't know. I just wanted healthy birds, and seem to have gotten them, and they meet my needs and wants. I also have hatchery birds knowing that they may have shorter lives, and mixes of the two. I have a New Hampshire Red hen that is at least 8 years old, and my best broody. Breed matters, but so does individual genetics.
If you start looking around your area, however far you are comfortable going, you may find some of them, some breeds can be more common in some areas.

 

[PennyM]

I have a dumb question on this. What exactly are heritage breeds , and how does one go about getting them as chicks? I can’t seem to find a consistent answer on either question. Thanks.

Thank you for asking the question @micstrachan and all who answered as I was wondering the same thing!

 

[jennifer0224]

I was wondering, do you have somewhere you can take your birds to have actual necropsies done? There is a large university about 40 minutes from where I live, I take my birds there who have died to have necropsies done. They cost $20 but will tell you what killed the bird, and everything else about their health.

 

[micstrachan]

@coach723, I’m with you. I just want healthy birds. Went into this totally blindly. My hubby came home with four hatchery chicks and a little prefab coop. I went into research mode and learned quickly we’d need much more for our little flock, considering the predators around here.
Fell in love, and decided I wanted more birds with pretty feathers and docile personalities. Got another another six hatchery chicks the following year and then one of the original four hens got sick. I was devastated. Learned quickly about reproductive issues, hatchery stock, etc. and even became almost vegan because I can’t stand the thought of contributing to animal cruelty for my own benefit.
So, moving forward, I want birds who are not overbred for egg production, as my girls are beloved pets. I do enjoy and eat their eggs and am happy to NEVER buy battery hen eggs, but the eggs are just a bonus. I don’t want to buy pets that are bred to ultimately suffer because their poor little bodies aren’t meant to lay that much. I will do my very bestvto keep this littke flock heakthy and give them their best chance, but I amnervlus knowing now wmthat they are “hatchery stock.” I sincerely hope my attentiveness helps their longevity.

 

[coach723]

Not every hatchery bird is a problem, just the incidence of reproductive issues is going to probably be a higher percentage over all.
I have hatchery birds, and love them as much as any other, and some are favorites and some have lived pretty long. We just do the best we can to do the best for them that we can. It's a learning curve, and I don't regret any of them.

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

At least they did not die in vain because of you posting these pictures and you taking your time to find the reason has helped some of us in case we still have the same problem. Sorry for your loss.