Sick dying chicks. **UPDATE 8-7 PICS pg. 19**

[gumpsgirl]

I have contacted the number that lauralou gave to me and they gave me another number. I have called that number and have left a message. I would like at least two vet opinions on this matter. If at least two vets agree that this is Coryza, then I would feel better about it being diagnosed that way and treating it as such. I am pretty certain after Dr. Brown's description that this is what my chicks have because it fits to the tee, but would still feel better with at least one more opinion. I will post as soon as I hear back from someone.

Thank you every one for the encouragement and support! Hugs to you all!

 

[gumpsgirl]

I spoke with the state vet about 30 min. ago. He told me that in the 22 years he had worked there he had never seen a case of Coryza come through there. He said that it does still exist, but there are so many new strains of viruses out there that are becoming more and more prevalent to where the bird remains a carrier for life. He also did not recommend that I pay the $66 for a necropsy. He said that it was a 50/50 chance that they would even be able to find out what was wrong with my birds and then there was a 50% chance after that, that the findings would lead me toward culling my whole flock. His final recommendation was for me to cull my whole flock and to start over.

He said that would be the safest and most effective way to wipe out whatever this is. I am having a hard time trying to swallow that news, but was afraid that it would come down to that.

I am waiting to hear back from one more vet. Once I've had his opinion, I will make my decision on what needs to be done.

 

[speckledhen]

Oh, Stacey! I'm so sorry, hon. I know what I would do in this case and I think you do, too. But knowing what should be done and doing it are two very different things. It's so hard to get this news, I can only imagine how I'd feel. No, I know how I'd feel. You know that when this is all over, however it plays out, when you get to a good place, you have whatever you want from my birds in the way of hatching eggs. But, obviously, that is a ways away at this point in time. (((( major hugs))))

 

[bishopschickens]

stacy...Sharon just called me and told me about your situation and I am so sorry. The lady we believe the chick came from was set up right beside me. Also I bought a few chicks from her but they are fine so maybe it is something from that one flock! If it helps any at the next show I will help you out with the blue laced and silver laced wyandottes. I will get you started back up at no cost! Again im very sorry for what has happend!

 

[Wynette]

Oh, goodness. It sounds like bad, bad news all around. I'm SO very sorry to hear this, and I'm holding out for hope that it's something treatable and that you don't have to cull your entire flock. Prayers go out to you and your chickens!

 

[meriruka]

I can't imagine what you're going through. Losing your whole flock is just awful. So sorry.

 

[CathyB]

OMG, I just found this thread! I have been so busy lately and not reading the boards as much as I had been. I am so sorry for what is going on with you and your flock. I wish you the best and keep us updated. :aww

 

[lauralou]

Stacey,

You've gotten very different advice from two different vets, neither of whom have seen or tested your birds.

On the one hand, Dr. Peter Brown offers you a treatment solution for a disease that matches your symptoms. It is not a quick fix, and is not foolproof. You would always worry that you had missed a carrier bird and were still harboring the disease in your flock.

On the other hand, the state vet says just cull your whole flock and be done with it. He is looking at things from a very large scale perspective. Virginia is a poultry producing state, and that would be the only reasonable solution for a large poultry operation. Depopulate and decontaminate, that's how it's done. And it works.

I don't envy you the choice you have to make. But I am glad that you are seeking a third opinion. The more information you have, the better you will feel about the hard decisions that you have to make.

I'm so sorry.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Dr. Brown has just e-mailed me back and will be calling me this evening so we can discuss one on one what is going on and which would be the very best direction for me to go in.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts, offers, and comments. You are all absolutely wonderful!

 

[speckledhen]

Wonderful! I've had the pleasure of speaking with the Doc on the phone and he was immensely helpful.