Could this be a genetic problem?

[Lucylou]

Does anyone know if sometimes a certain batch of chooks can all have a health problem?

I ask because my chooks came from 2 different sources. 3 from a backgarden type chicken keeper & have all flourished & no illness. And 4 from a small holding where they kept 50 chooks & 3 out of 4 have had problems. One had a respiritory problem at about 16 weeks but was OK after anti-biotics, 1 died a few weeks ago from an infected oviduct & one has never laid & is quite poorly at the moment with runny poo. These 2 are 'sisters' hybrid rhode island x lt sussex.

Just wondered if this could have something to do with the breeding or something etc. Seems too co-incidental to me, especially the hybrids. Any ideas? :?

 

[foxy]

Possibly the smallholder has either infectious bronchitis running through his flock, myco or both. If he is breeding from below par stock then yes, they will be prone to problems and the stress of a new enviroment often acts as catalyst for activating infections.
Infections such as IB and myco, aren't usually fatal but do end in reduced laying/laying problems particulary IB. Myco affects a bird for life re-occuring at times of stress.