I have had hens in my back yard for 20 years. My birds have never been ill. There has been an occasional cases of mites or lice but when you contract something like this you learn fast. My hens are an investment of my time and a vital part of home as providers of food. I learned a lesson recently, to look inside their mouths as well as looking over their bodies. I watch their behavior regularly and know what each birds' habit and personality is in my flock. I am the owner and the rooster.
I am very concerned about all these sick birds dieing. I thought my first two were from old age. But as they kept dieing I know it is more.
My birds are clean, there is no lice or worms. My county has prevalent cases of Canker in wild doves and pigeons. I was told it can affect other birds as well.
If this doesn't get controlled, counties and city ordinances will be changed to protect our food sources. And I will be very sad to loose this privilege of raising our own food.
We need to join together and work to educate the newer chicken owners. Keeping chickens is not a responsibility to take lightly. We need to save our flock!
