Toxic floodwaters

[beetandsteet]

Technically this is not an emergency or a disease, but does relate to chicken health...
Monday morning our whole property (including the house and all outbuildings) were put underwater in a flash flood. Got the laying flock out just in time to the only place not feet underwater--the road. I have a portable coop, so they were sheltered from the rain at least. After the rain stopped and the water began to recede they walked up and down the road wading happily and picking crawfish, and earthworms out of the nasty floodwaters (neighbors septic tank contents, raw cow manure, etc.) We were so busy dealing with the shock--and the house we didn't pay much attention to what the flock was up to.
Several days later they're back in the yard and appear to be healthy, and are laying just as much as ever. I have 3 questions:
1. Are their eggs safe to eat and sell?
2. Are there any particular concerns I should have in dealing with chickens exposed to toxic water?
3. Is there any supplement or medicine I should be giving them? I am already giving them probiotics in their water.

 

[azjustin]

1.
Chickens will filter most of the toxins but proably won't catch all of them before it's in the eggs. If you are starving and need the food, well, go for it. Otherwise, I would personally wait a month or so. You are the judge of the nastiness of the water, we weren't there.

If you aren't willing to eat them, selling would most definitely would not be a good idea.

2.
Talk to a small animal vet, but I'd venture to guess that they would tell you to treat symptomatically, not in anticipation, considering that no one has any idea what was in that water. However, a good food, clean and dry area to live, and electrolytes/ACV in the water definitely wouldn't hurt. Other more experienced keepers may know of meds that could possibly help.

3. See above.


I'm sorry to hear about the flooding in your area, friends and family have been checking in and no one has anything good to say. Thankfully you got your family out before anything bad happened!