Hens got Infectious Bronchitis, will I EVER be able to add to my flock??

[AlannaB]

I had two 2 year old birds come to me which then started showing some signs of infectious bronchitis; a little bit of sneezing. That has now cleared up but one hen lays eggs that have watery whites with poor egg shells (a consequence of IB?). The pair have their own run and for various reasons and also because they seem happy and contented in themselves I do not wish to cull them.
I am aware that if it is infectious bronchitis it is extremely contagious.

My question is; if I have two birds that are potential carriers of IB will I ever be able to add additional birds to my garden? In the same run or a separate run?

I would really rather like some extra bird; bantams or quails (especially as I am not getting so many 'good' eggs now) but do not want to endanger any new arrivals of catching IB.

Any advice?

Thanks

AB

 

[BantyChooks]

If it was me I wouldn't get any more, (if it truly is IB) but its really up to you. I have no experience with this.. anyone else know anything about IB? I hope everything works out okay.

 

[dawg53]

I had two 2 year old birds come to me which then started showing some signs of infectious bronchitis; a little bit of sneezing. That has now cleared up but one hen lays eggs that have watery whites with poor egg shells (a consequence of IB?). The pair have their own run and for various reasons and also because they seem happy and contented in themselves I do not wish to cull them.
I am aware that if it is infectious bronchitis it is extremely contagious.

My question is; if I have two birds that are potential carriers of IB will I ever be able to add additional birds to my garden? In the same run or a separate run?

I would really rather like some extra bird; bantams or quails (especially as I am not getting so many 'good' eggs now) but do not want to endanger any new arrivals of catching IB.

Any advice?

Thanks

AB

IB is spread very easily and quickly. It can also travel in the air, long distances. Here's a link for you to read regarding IB:
http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/ib.htm

 

[Eggcessive]

I would get your birds tested, since they can have IB along with a secondary infection which can include some of the other respiratory diseases such as MG. While birds with IB are only carriers up to 1 year after their illness, with MG, coryza, and ILT, they can be carriers for life. IB tends to spread throughout the flock, making everyone a carrier whether or not they have shown symptoms. Your state vet may give you info on testing, or you can contact your local agricultural agent. Here is a link or three to read: http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/78/infectious-bronchitis-ib/
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/p...view_of_infectious_bronchitis_in_poultry.html

 

[MrsBrooke]

I would get your birds tested, since they can have IB along with a secondary infection which can include some of the other respiratory diseases such as MG. While birds with MG are only carriers up to 1 year after their illness, with MG, coryza, and ILT, they can be carriers for life. IB tends to spread throughout the flock, making everyone a carrier whether or not they have shown symptoms. Your state vet may give you info on testing, or you can contact your local agricultural agent. Here is a link or three to read: http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/78/infectious-bronchitis-ib/
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/p...view_of_infectious_bronchitis_in_poultry.html

Did you mean "....birds with IB...."?

Just checking for my own clarification.

MrsB

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Yes. Eggcessive meant "birds with IB," not MG (typo.)

 

[MrsBrooke]

Yes. Eggcessive meant "birds with IB," not MG (typo.)

That's what I thought. Thank you!

MrsB

 

[Eggcessive]

Yep, that's what I meant is with IB they can be carriers for up to a year. Thanks everyone for noticing my typo. I will now edit my post above to be correct.

 

[AlannaB]

Hey,
Thanks guys for the information and support. IB is a very frustrating thing, and being in the UK it seems to be particularly prevalent. I didn't realise that I could get my birds tested for it, so thanks Eggcessive. I will have to look into that as my vets are great with chickens.

Thanks again guys,

AB

 

[jak2002003]

My birds got Infections bronchitis last year.

Some were really bad and could hardly breath.. just standing with their head in the air and gasping and struggling to breath with loud raspy breathing and coughing.. Others were not so bad.

Weird thing was the worst looking ones got better the fastest.. and the ones that showed only mild symptoms stayed ill for a long time.

I had about 20 birds.. they all recovered fine with no treatment.. only clean, stress free environment and proper food and clean water 24 / 7.
There was a sharp reduction in egg production.. but after they recovered they went back to laying eggs the same amount as before.

I introduced new birds several weeks after mine got better... and the new ones never came down with it.

People often say to cull birds with any respiratory diseases as they stay carriers and sick even through they show no symptoms... but for people keeping a few birds in their garden I don't think you need to cull.. only if you are large scale commercial business.

The birds may stay carriers.. but they will have no symptoms and they are not 'sick'.. they don't feel unwell or behave any differently to a chicken that never got the disease.. they don't feel sick, so I don't see the need to cull them.

My birds had several disease over the years and I never culled any. Once they recover they are stronger and not likely to get that disease again. I never noticed any permanent reduction in egg production or condition of the birds themselves.