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Our dominant hen, Queenie, in a flock of three has become very slow and unsteady in movement. Droppings wet, green, showing undigested grains. Plumage excellent, eyes bright but comb shrunken and pale.Ex battery chooks. We have had them since April 2011. The other two are fine (other than being quite pecked). Queenie was best layer up to Christmas but has not layed since. What is ailing her?
Hello, I'm Dr. Bob.I'm sorry to read of Queenie's condition. The symptoms you've described are those of a very serious disease, but they are shared by a number of different diseases including pullorum, tuberculosis and Lymphoid leukosis. Although it is rarer than the other two, the disease that fits the symptoms best is pullorum.Unfortunately, there are not treatments for any of these diseases and the recommended course of action is to cull affected individuals. The diseases listed are contagious and if the affected bird should recover, they remain carriers for life.You can read many articles online about each of these conditions by googling the name of the disease + in chickens.If you should have further questions please let me know.Dr.Bob
Experience: 35 years in general practice, including avian.
Hi,I'm just following up on our conversation about your pet. How is everything going?Dr. Bob
Dr Bob,
I'm sorry to read of Queenie's death, but thank you for letting me know.I was not aware of the eradication of pullorum from the U.K. I appreciate your taking the time to inform me.Sincerely,Dr. Bob