VERY sick birds - One sacrificed today for lab testing *Update* page 2

[Judy]

FWIW, I would certainly go with keeping them.

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

If you are certain that they will be carriers for life (your vet has confirmed this fact with you?) then I would cull the flock and start over. Of course it will be heartbreaking to do, I can't imagine. But OTOH, you stated that you sell chicks and that your DBF has birds that you obviously don't want to infect. I don't think you'd infect your DBF birds BUT if you're planning to sell chicks those chicks could end up with it.

It's certainly a toughie. I have gotten very picky about even having people out to my farm around my birds. I always make sure they don't have chickens of their own before I let them near mine.
The only new additions to my flock are from tested hatchies (chicks in the mail) or chicks from my bator. I refuse to bring in anymore adult birds after the heartbreaking stories I have heard here.

 

[luvarabhorses]

If you could get him to allow you to do it, I would continue with the doxy anyway only I would double dose it. It is a unique antibiotic and it may attack viruses in chickens.
The other thing I would do is buy a 2.5lb product called dac 9-1-1. You can order it online from dac (google it).
It is about 50 dollars but well well worth it. If you need to know more about it I can tell you but basically it boosts the immune system and allows natural health to return. It will also repair the balance to the intestines from antibiotics.
Since he doesn't know what virus it is, how can he say for sure they are carriers? Carriers infers they will shed the virus from time to time and infect other birds. I've had viruses and once I am healthy I don't shed anything. It is only while you are sick with a virus that you are infectious.
That which does not kill us makes us stronger!!!

 

[pips&peeps]

IB is not for life. Once they are over it, it's gone.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Thank you all for your opinions!!! The vet never did say a diagnosis so I have no idea what the virus is, nor do I know for sure that they will be carriers. Honestly I think he's guessing. I was mentally prepared to put them down but really didn't want to. DBF talked me out of it because he said the same thing - how do we KNOW? So I'll continue with their meds and check into the dac (thank you!) and see how it goes. I'm just so relieved that they appear to be on the upswing.

Thank you all!

 

[tdgill]

I wouldn't doubt about the guessing either. I think there're (haha is that a word?) other ways to test cheaper if not for free? Like the state vet or agri. something? Some colleges? It has been discussed b4. Not sure where in the forum tho. Try a search. I am still confused with viruses and illnesses...

 

[silkiechicken]

I would try and get that test done to figure out what virus it is. There are some things that can go though eggs, although far and few between. It will help you determine if starting over or going on is the best. Either way, it's not going to be easy to pick.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

All the people just left after picking up their chicks, so I just went out the coop for the first time (trying to keep contamination to nil) and I am SO happy to report that everybody seems back to normal! Even the two that were sick yesterday are fine today - eating, drinking, and their eyes and noses are perfectly clear/clean! It was so wonderful to not hear ONE sneeze, cough, or heavy breathing - what a relief!

I'm so glad that I didn't act in haste and put them all down. Silkiechicken, I appreciate and understand your warning but I just can't spend a few hundred dollars for further testing. The vet already told the state lab no, so even if I wanted to contact them it would probably be too late. I will definitely be alert and on guard from now on; I learned a very hard lesson. NO NEW BIRDS ALLOWED HERE! I'll also continue to practice and enforce biosecurity cautions. I'm changing my clothes and washing my hands and not taking anymore chances! I'm so happy!!!

 

[BeccaOH]

This has been a good thread for me to read. I brought in a Dominique hen last night. She has been sneezing a few days, but I figured it was dust, weather changes, and such. Then I noticed a really pasty bottom. She got a warm bath and put to bed in a dog carrier. Her breathing was really rattly/raspy. It was really loud after the bath until she settled into her bed.

I wasn't able to see her poo this morning, but she is eating well. I gave her boiled egg. And she was sparing with my dog that got too close for her comfort. Her comb is very red. I'm not sure if I could say her face is swollen, I haven't had experience checking that. Her eyes are bright, and I don't see any discharge from them or the nose.

I want to see if she lays an egg today. My production has been down a bit of late.

I'll make a run for Tylan 50 today, though I've not wanted to medicate my flock if I didn't have to.

Thanks!

 

[mrsgibber]

Quote:
Thank goodness for the happy ending. I'm so glad they are better.