When does blackhead usually show up?

[Dogfish]

I have 2 BBB's that are being raised alongside my laying hens, as well as a few CX stragglers. Found out about blackhead after I had purchased them, so that is my fault.

I checked with the local feed stores, and they say nobody in our county has reported issues with it. I'm sure that doesn't mean that we are immune to it, as it can always be brought into an area.

I was wondering when you would usually see it? My two turkeys are 8 weeks old, and are progressing nicely, with no signs of illness. They also free range with my other birds when I let them all out.

 

[Denninmi]

Um, I don't know that much about it myself, but I have read that the incubation period is 15 days after they consume contaminated soil, earthworms, or similar matter. I guess it can hit them at pretty much any age.

 

[OmaBird]

Some areas have no cases. I have had my turkeys with chickens for 10 years without a problem.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
Your feed store won't know, check with your local ag rep.

Steve

 

[Dogfish]

My two local feed stores are clients, so they are farmers themselves as well as well connected in the farming community (not a TSC or Del's). They were my first source of information. Thanks for the idea on contacting the AG rep. I'll see what I can dig up through the various entities out here.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
This may help, or be a good place to start

http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AvianHealth/

Steve

 

[chickenzoo]

I have had it pop up now and then, but of course FL is a breeding ground for all types of things, LOL. I always keep some Fish Zole medication on hand to treat any turkeys that may get it, I've only had two cases. You will see them get listless, have very yellow poo, start to get a dark look about the face, stop eating... If caught in time it is curable in a few days.

 

[Dogfish]

Many thanks. The snots came into my garden as I was weeding and started eating my onions. Little do they know that onions will be part of their undoing.