What preventative measures should I take?

[RDchicken99]

Hiya BYC, I had to cull a pullet today who was having respiratory issues, she was sneezing and gasping for breath and her comb had turned purple. I went ahead and put her out of her misery because she was past treating. I'm worried that it might be something catching, so I would like to know any extra preventative measures you all would do in a situation like this. I'm going to put ACV and a natural antibiotic in their waterers, as well as some garlic cloves. Anyone think I should start them on Corid just in case? I really don't want the flock to get sick. Thanks.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. How old was the chicken and had you added any new birds to your flock recently? The best way to know what she had is to keep the body cold, and send it in to your state vet on Monday morning. There are a number of respiratory diseases that affect chickens. Here is a link that lists the MO state vets who you can contact:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html

 

[dawg53]

Respiratory issues does not automatically mean that your pullet had a respiratory disease. Otherwise, other birds in your flock would be showing respiratory disease symptoms other than what you described, including the pullet that you culled.
There are environmental possibilities that couldve affected your pullet or perhaps a fungal issue or heart problem.
I recommend that you dont give anything to your flock other than the proper feed and clean fresh water...standard operating procedure.
If you observe anything out of the ordinary with your other birds, we'll address it accordingly.

 

[RDchicken99]

Thanks for the help!

How old was the chicken and had you added any new birds to your flock recently?

She was around 6-7 months, and I haven't added any new birds to the flock. Unfortunately I don't think that sending in the body will be an option, although I will keep that in mind for future circumstances.

I recommend that you dont give anything to your flock other than the proper feed and clean fresh water...standard operating procedure.

Alrighty. I'll keep an eagle eye on the birds for any symptoms, and I'll let you know if anyone is looking puny. Thanks for the help you guys!