Q on Infectious Bronchitis and Laying

[KMeade]

Hi all,

I made the mistake of bringing a commercial hen into my flock. It seems she spread IB, and lost some chicks. The adults wheezed a lot but did not die. However they have almost all stopped laying. Now some are moulting,

my question is if they will come back into lay eventually or should I cull? Second Q is can I bring in new hens into some coops while I phase out the ones that are not laying?

I have culled the commercial bird so I am not sure if I am still carrying IB or not.

Thanks for all help.

 

[AshP]

Rare for IB to reduce eggs by 100%, normally 20-50%. IB is highly contagious it can travel a long distance by air and on your feet etc They are carriers for 49 days post infection. It can live in litter etc for up to 4 weeks so thourough disinfection is required of all equipment and housing.

 

[dawg53]

Here's a link to the Merck Vet Manual concerning IB in poultry:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/pou...view_of_infectious_bronchitis_in_poultry.html
Another link of interest:
http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/ib.htm