Chicken deficient Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 I always quarantine newbies well away from my existing flock, for at least 2 weeks, (usually longer as I prefer them to grow up getting to know us, rather than buying at point of lay). However, I have never bought any chickens that have turned out to be ill, (touch wood). I know some people do not have the option to set up a distant quarantine area, but recently there seem to be quite a few cases of new birds being ill and even passing disease onto the existing flock. So, I wanted to do a bit of a survey that will hopefully be of benefit to others. If you have ever bought new chickens that have not been 100%: - what was wrong with them, (e.g. respiratory problem / parasites / specific disease etc) - which county did you buy them in and when - what was the outcome (e.g. infected existing flock / recovered with treatment / died / returned to seller etc) (Please do not mention any specific suppliers on the forum, as I'm not sure about the repercussions of this!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 (edited) If you have ever bought new chickens that have not been 100%: - what was wrong with them, (e.g. respiratory problem / parasites / specific disease etc) - which county did you buy them in and when - what was the outcome (e.g. infected existing flock / recovered with treatment / died / returned to seller etc) Mycoplasmosis probably (bubbly eyes) Kent, April this year. Only two obviously affected, treated whole flock as precaution, recovered nicely. Edit to add: Tried my best to check the birds at selection for snotty beaks and dirty bottoms, and as far as I could tell they were healthy when I got them. P Edited June 6, 2013 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 If you have ever bought new chickens that have not been 100%: - what was wrong with them, (e.g. respiratory problem / parasites / specific disease etc) - which county did you buy them in and when - what was the outcome (e.g. infected existing flock / recovered with treatment / died / returned to seller etc) -Respiratory problems -Lothians, April 2012 - First batch replaced by seller, similar problems with replacements, treated by my vet and all 3 appeared to recover. However, one subsequently developed another illness in the summer of 2012 and after several weeks of illness died. Another has been a really poor layer. The third recovered well and is a normal healthy chicken. In hindsight I should have returned the second batch and purchased from elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 Respiratory problems All new birds died including replacemants [two pts and sent for pm] Shropshire 2012 Despite isolation of sick birds spread to rest of girls. total of 15 dead chickens including several of my other hens. Very large vets bill. Should have listened to my instincts and taken new birds back to supplier as soon as illness spotted. Very hard lesson learnt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 Respiratory problems (and lice). Surrey 2008. Supplier would not take them back and refused to admit they were ill. Existing flock also infected. Some died. Rest were ill for months. I am still dealing with recurrent outbreaks 5 years on. Vet bills in four figures. I can't get any more chickens as I need to keep a closed flock. Very expensive and heart-breaking mistake. Far from perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
