4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Saronne]

I wrote a couple of weeks ago to mention that a couple of my girls got an upper respiratory tract infection (coryza or myco) which then spread to two others. I was given Baytril by the vet and syringed -dosed my entire flock for 7 days, and, touch wood, they all seem well .

 

However, one of my chicks (the chicks are quite separate from the flock) also came down with similar symptoms yesterday. I assume the same 'bug' is in the air, or she got it off my clothing/shoes - as I'm very careful to wash my hands. Here's what happened next;

 

Phoned the vet to say chick has the same symptoms - can I use small dose of Baytril for 7 days, etc. as it worked so well with other chooks. Vet was not sure and needed to check with company that produces it. The vet phoned back yesterday morning to say; " I spoke to a 'chicken expert' colleague who suggested powdered Tylan in the water for the chicks..oh, and the 'chicken expert' asked you to consider whether they might have bird-flu.. ! She also said she'd be happy to ring Defra for me if I liked.." !!!!!

 

Well, you can imagine my response. I love my birds and feel VERY protective of them (hence a phone call to the vet as soon as one sneezed). I said..."No way. First of all, my birds have responded well to their medication and are running around happily at this very moment. Anyway, I assumed that Bird Flu was a virus and could not respond to an antibiotic - and that mortality was high (I have not lost a single bird). My vet backed down straight away and said. 'Well, okay, then. Your Tylan will be waiting for you this afternoon."

 

That was yesterday. After one day of Tylan in the water, chick is feeling much better.

 

I was really upset for most of yesterday and am still feeling a little raw by her suggestion. How could a so called 'chicken expert' who has not examined my birds or seen their recovery make a snap diagnosis secondhand? And if my vet believed her 'expert' colleague, then why did she back down when I challenged the suggestion? Anyway, I've heard no more and am considering leaving that vet's practice.

 

Saronne x

[The Dogmother]

I wouldn't worry too much Saronne, if they had avian flu, then the end is very quick and they'd all be dead

 

What you're doing sounds rigth to me.

[Saronne]

Thanks, Claret. I know I'm being a bit sensitive, but how on earth did she come up with that differential diagnosis?

 

I work for the NHS and you always go for the most likely common-all-garden diagnosis before you work your way towards something so rare or dramatic.

 

 

Saronne x

[Jools]

Well at least she didn't suggest Swine Flu

[Saronne]

Well at least she didn't suggest Swine Flu

 

 

 

 

Nice one.

[The Dogmother]

I dunno, it's a really random diagnosis and avian flu is really pretty rare.

 

TBH (without wanting to sound harsh) if your flock has AI, then the first sign is likely to be dead birds; they succumb that quickly.

 

Did they give you any guidance as to dosage for the chicks?

[Redwing]

Shocking. Thats how scares start, what is wrong with them?

 

Blooming 'expert'

[Saronne]

I dunno, it's a really random diagnosis and avian flu is really pretty rare.

 

TBH (without wanting to sound harsh) if your flock has AI, then the first sign is likely to be dead birds; they succumb that quickly.

 

Did they give you any guidance as to dosage for the chicks?

 

 

0.5 g per litre of water for 72 hours..The hardest part of that was trying to work out how much of a teaspoon 0.5 g is! I google searched it and came up with 1/4 of a teaspoon. Does that sound right?

 

Saronne x

[The Dogmother]

That sounds about right Saronne, although I have always injected my girls when they needed antiBs

[Saronne]

Shocking. Thats how scares start, what is wrong with them?

 

Blooming 'expert'

 

 

I totally agree, Tasha. I really hesitated before starting this thread because I worried that someone might read it and believe the 'expert' ! but I needed to offload as I was so upset. She also said that I might consider wearing a mask when cleaning out their coops!!

 

 

Saronne x

[EmmaJC]

Don't worry about it Saronne - I bought my Eglu from you not long ago and your flock were clearly very well kept and healthy to my eyes.

 

- Clarissa, ex-batt

- Jennifer, ex-batt

- Nigella, ex-batt

[Chucky Mama]

It think the vet's response is not unlike a lot of doctors diagnosing 'Swine Flu' just because a handful of symptoms match those written on their checklist.

[Saronne]

Don't worry about it Saronne - I bought my Eglu from you not long ago and your flock were clearly very well kept and healthy to my eyes.

 

- Clarissa, ex-batt

- Jennifer, ex-batt

- Nigella, ex-batt

 

Thank-you for that, Emma. How are your ex-batts doing?

 

 

Saronne x

[Saronne]

It think the vet's response is not unlike a lot of doctors diagnosing 'Swine Flu' just because a handful of symptoms match those written on their checklist.

 

 

Good point, Chucky Mama. Not too long ago there was a woman in Leicester who died from Meningitis after she was misdiagnosed as having swine 'flu.

 

 

Saronne x

[cluckingmad]

Clucky mamas right - in (slight) defence of the 'expert' she was only going off what the vet said - if the vet only gave basic symptoms and didn't know if any had died already then the expert would have suggested all possible causes - avian flu is uncommon, however after the outbreak not so long ago I'd say she was probably right to suggest it, however the vet should've already checked through all the possible causes of symptoms so should've discounted it - although we're all good keepers of our birds, a lot of folk probably aren't as conscientious (spelling?!)

 

Don't let it upset you sweetheart, your girls are obviosuly loved and well looked after - hope little chicfk makes a full recovery

[Saronne]

Thank you, Cluckingmad. Little chick is much better, now. In fact, they all seem well and are enjoying the afternoon sunshine as I speak!

 

 

Saronne x

[cluckingmad]

Fab news Glad the little one's better - mums always now best