Mrs_B Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I recently had confirmation that my Barred Rock died of Blackhead, but she also had cocci (poor girl!) Of course I am upping my sanitising regime as well cleaning equipment more thoroughly (thank you for the advice from people on here about that!) My question is - I've done lots of reading but I am having mixed feelings about where and how long the Blackhead will stick around, even with my best efforts. I read that it stays in earthworms in the soil for up to three years. Is this true? Does this mean no new chickens for three years to be on the safe side? I guess I can only do so much to protect my existing flock. I am going to worm every month from now on and separate any hen that looks anything like they're ill - as recommended from the vets to try and stop the parasite that's around. I am extending the FR area, as I can't move the Eglu or the wooden coop, so I am adding an electric fence right around the pair and giving the chickens my old veg patch as well as small trees to perch - they had the area between the two runs previously but extending it by three times the space which I can't wait to sort out, but all of this has scared me about letting them out onto the ground I think gave them Blackhead! Has anyone any personal experience of this disease? Thank you, everyone!! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I have no personal experience of this disease, but from the sound of it you are doing all the right things. Can you prevent access to the patch of ground that your hens were on before? If so, I would do that, and extend their FR area as you say. Will the netted area be large enough to divide and rotate their FR? That might help too. Other than that, and the increased disinfecting regime you mention, I don't think there is much more you can do. Good luck Mrs B, and I hope that rest of your hens will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share Posted October 9, 2012 Thanks, Tweety! You've been a star when it's come to helping me out! I can't stop the access to the FR area they use at the moment or they would never be able to come out of their runs - I'll keep up with the cleaning/worming routine and fingers crossed things get better x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roselady Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Hi Mrs B Sorry I've not posted on your wall recently - I did say I was pretty rubbish at it I hope things are picking up for you I really do. They are a worry aren't they. I'm now fretting about one of mine laying constant softies - am about to post on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
