Part 0800.0005

[Mrs Potts]

I know that some of you have medical experience or some of you might have had similar to this.

I had some blood tests recently which show I have low IgG, IgA and IgM levels, which are either half or two thirds of the baseline level. I had flu at Christmas and my doctor says post viral problems are probably the reason for the readings and the fact that about every fortnight I am going down with a cough/cold/chest infection/ear infection/night sweats and that kind of thing. At least I know why I am so wheezy and hopefully it will pass.

 

Trouble is, the hens need cleaning out and there is no one else to do it. I have two sets of Glugs so it is easy to go and swap them round, but am I risking alot if I go and do the whole poop tray? I always wash that out each week with rubber gloves and hot soapy water - dont have a pressure washer thing.

 

Thank you.

[Henchanted]

Hello Mrs Potts

 

IMHO I think having chickens can strengthen your immune system and as you have had them awhile I can't see why they would be the cause of your problems now since you will have built up a certain amount of resistence to any of their bugs.

 

May I ask if you do or have considered poo picking the tray every morning (I use old kitchen tongs).In this way you reduce the need for having to wash the tray so often. I take out and s"Ooops, word censored!"e off the roosting bars, poo pick the nest and tray and when necessary scatter fresh bedding with bokashi bran. If there is a particularly mucky spot the wipe of cheap baby wipes does the trick. I think the DE powder has a drying effect on surfaces (as well as the mites) so it keeps mould spores down, which you may be alergic to. Please remember that you need to avoid breathing in the DE as though it is harmless in other ways it can effect our lungs. Bokashi bran in the bedding also lets the good bacteria take over and digest the poo and when fed to the chickens their poo is a lot less wet so again more managable and less likely to be wafting any bad bugs around in the air.

 

Maybe a good dose of multi vitamins will help pick up you up even if you are eating, drinking and sleeping well.

 

I hope you feel better soon, I know it can be quite miserable when its one thing after another.

Take Care

[Egluntyne]

Can you bribe a local teenager to do it for you for a week or two until you are feeling better.

[Lydia]

Hello

 

You could have a primary immunodeficiency - low IgA/IgM/IgG levels may indicate this. If so you need to see an immunologist and get yourself the correct medication. A good organisation to get in touch with is the Primary Immunodeficiency Association. They have various pieces of literature, a helpline, a forum and a list of other specialists such as immunology nurses etc. Immunology services vary around the country and I don't know where you are.

 

I have something similar so PM me if you want.

 

As regards your hens, I would have thought they are no risk to you for hygience reasons. You are taking what sounds like reasonable precautions anyway so don't worry too much about that. You will feel tired though so go at your own pace - I find little and often works for me and having spares is a good idea, especially in the week.

 

Good luck with it all and let me know if I can help.

[Mrs Potts]

Hi.

 

Thank you so much for your responses. Goodegg and Egluntyne thank you - I am flat on my back at moment and apart from food and water each day, I just don't have the energy BUT I am feeding up my YD, who is 15, with treats so that I can ask her to clean them out. She is devoted to her hamster and follows a strict cleaning out regime for him, so maybe not too much of a stretch to do similar for hens?

 

Lydia, thank you and yes, PM on the way.

 

I'm enjoying watching the rain water the garden for us ... one less job to feel bad about ...

 

Mrs P