Stupid, gross question, but have to ask...

[MakNat]

Um... A little embarrassing. Is it ok to cook chickens who have respiratory issues. I mean to eat or at least to feed to the dogs? My birds keep coming up sick and I'm getting tired of culling these birds and just burning them. Pretty sure it is coryza or CRD..?? Not much is helping to clear it up, but to cull. Just wondering. Seems like its such a waste. About to give up chickens all together. I have much better luck with ducks!

 

[ChickenToes]

Never eat a sick bird, that's the rule. If you want to feed it to your dogs, someone on BYC suggested deep freezing it for several weeks to kill any infection/bacteria/whatever left in the bird, then thawing it out and cooking it up. I myself wouldn't do it, just because I'm a worrier, but that's just me. And I agree, ducks are easier!

 

[ArizonaNessa]

The only stupid question is the one not asked

 

[eenie114]

Quote:
Amen

 

[scubaforlife]

Quote:
I just went through this with my flock, sick birds.

I called my local extension office and they were a big help in identifying exactly what the problem is and helping me get a change going.

 

[MakNat]

Well I have 8 8 week old leghorn cockrels left. Only one seems a little snotty. I've already culled the other 2/3s of this hatch. All my pullets got sick fast.

I was so proud of them all. Which I breed and incubated and had 100% hatch right. I built this cage in my barn that had a dirt floor. In the corner.? They all did wonderful untill about 5 weeks. A week after being in this cage. Only at night too. They ran free in the barn /barnyard all day,. Yes they did hang with my main flock, which are their parents and a couple of other breeds. All closed flock and heathly,. All over 2 and 3 years old. I think they got sick from the dirt. Its only that group. I'm just sick of it and worried they are slowly going to die off anyway and putmy flock at risk.. I think I'm gonna process them for the dogs. Will freeze them awhile just to make sure. Is sad and it sucks, what a waste. Thanks for the info!

 

[Kittymomma]

Sorry! I can't really answer your question, but I would suggest getting a hold of your county extention office and find out who in your area does bird necropsy. Many colleges and states offer this service for free or very low-cost and with the losses that you are describing I think it would be worthwhile to send the next one that you have to cull off for a necropsy so you will know for sure what you are dealing with.

 

[MakNat]

Quote:
Thanks, I called them. They acted rude and seemed to bothered by my call. I will search online for more help.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
Thanks, I called them. They acted rude and seemed to bothered by my call. I will search online for more help.

That's too bad, the people at mine are really nice--not always as knowledgable as I'd like, but nice about it. Try calling the closest university to you that has an Ag program. Even if they don't do it they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

 

[uhuh555]

Old dirt that is inside a building where wild birds and/or rodents frequent can have many organisms that can be harmful to domestic poultry and rabbits. There are many products that can disinfect the area. I prefer a concrete or solid wooden floor as they are easier to clean/disinfect when (not if) an outbreak occurs. It can be so frustration when these things happen. It is so important to get to the root of what's happening, it might be something that can be an ongoing problem if proper steps are not taken.

Good luck!