So much water!!

[007Sean]

@007Sean I do have a question The crop issue-is that uncommon in Quail or would you consider that a symptom of UE as a result of inflammation/infection in the intestines (slowing of the digestive system)? (much like with chickens - crop issues are often a sign/symptom of an underlying condition or infection)

Yes, I would consider it a part of the symptoms due to the fact any food or water being taken in is unable to be processed normally. Although, it isn't common in quail to have crop issues, with UE it will show up.
Ulcerative enteritis and Infectious bronchitis are the two commonly addressed issues with raising quail. Aspergillosis is sometimes a factor with quail and pheasants and chickens as well...but UE and IB are the most common ailments encountered with quail.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, I would consider it a part of the symptoms due to the fact any food or water being taken in is unable to be processed normally. Although, it isn't common in quail to have crop issues, with UE it will show up.
Ulcerative enteritis and Infectious bronchitis are the two commonly addressed issues with raising quail. Aspergillosis is sometimes a factor with quail and pheasants and chickens as well...but UE and IB are the most common ailments encountered with quail.

Thanks!
Always something to learn.

 

[007Sean]

Thanks!
Always something to learn.

I use to raise Bob's commercially, I had an outbreak of UE once that nearly wiped out my entire operation before I got a handle on it, out of 5,000 birds, I had 150 left when the illness finally was under control, took less than a week to loose that many quail.
I used regular waterers at the time and changed the water daily but it still happened. I completely changed the watering system, I installed plumbing from an artisan well to the pens, with 'running' water year round and never had a problem after that with UE.
I think that the outbreak was a results of a wild bird having pooped in the pens...used to have wild quail visit the pens and walk around on top of the netting.

 

[007Sean]

Thank you for the info. She made it to day 3 and her mate is still healthy. He's been calling for her but I think he will calm down in the coming days. If she had UE when should I notice symptoms in her mate? I always kept water and food clean. They live inside my house. Bedding changed daily. Fresh water daily.

Within hours to a couple of days if it is infected. Sometimes some quail seem to have a resistance to it but in general, once infected the mortality rate is 100%
ETA - this is why it's important to start treatment even if no symptoms are apparent at the present time. It won't have any ill affect on the rest of the flock to be treated.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I use to raise Bob's commercially, I had an outbreak of UE once that nearly wiped out my entire operation before I got a handle on it, out of 5,000 birds, I had 150 left when the illness finally was under control, took less than a week to loose that many quail.
I used regular waterers at the time and changed the water daily but it still happened. I completely changed the watering system, I installed plumbing from an artisan well to the pens, with 'running' water year round and never had a problem after that with UE.
I think that the outbreak was a results of a wild bird having pooped in the pens...used to have wild quail visit the pens and walk around on top of the netting.

Goodness, that must have been devastating!
So, with UE, the survivors remain "carriers" or am I misunderstanding what I've read? I've never dealt with it, so....

 

[007Sean]

Goodness, that must have been devastating!
So, with UE, the survivors remain "carriers" or am I misunderstanding what I've read? I've never dealt with it, so....

As far as I know they aren't carriers for life but even if medicated can be reinfected, as there is little resistance against reinfection.
The only other way to prevent it and it could still occur if sanitation is weak, is to raise them on wire. That's not an option in commercial operations though due to the expense of such a habitat.
ETA - when I said, 'some seem to have a resistance', that was my observation of my own flocks. Given the fact that the mortality rate is usually 100%, it's not likely that you would have a bird recover and still be a carrier. Maybe it was the fact that those that survived got treatment before the bacterium had enough time to multiply to a lethal level?
Although, they received treatment and it killed the bacterium, I don't believe the bacterium can survive to a level as not to kill the host and therefore the bird wouldn't be a carrier, except for the amount of time it takes to kill the host.

 

[maadroj]

Thank you to everyone who helped. Unfortunately she passed. Her crop was huge with water and when I picked her up her vent was leaking a white smelly liquid. It's difficult when they pass but atleast she isn't sick with whatever got her anymore.

I'm so sorry.