Chick with diarrhea...coccidiosis???

[beylabean]

is there any reason why one of my chicks would have runny poop? In a first time chick owner and wanna make sure they are all healthy and if it is something I would like to treat asap and not spread
Thanks

 

[azygous]

Consistently runny poop may be a sign of a too hot brooder. The heated zone should be the recommended temp but the rest of the brooder should be much cooler. It can even be freezing and the chicks will be fine as long as the hot spot directly beneath the heat zone is adequately warm. Chicks will move in and out of this zone as needed to regulate their body temps.

Your brooder may also be too small. Chicks double in size each week, and a plastic tote will be too small for them in just a week.

Be sure that the runny poo hasn't dried and clogged the vent, causing the poop to back up, possibly killing the chick. Bringing the temp down in the brooder should clear up the problem. If you're using medicated feed, there's little problem of cocci, but do start the chicks on Corid if others show similar signs after the brooder temp is corrected.

 

[beylabean]

We aren't using a heat lamp, rather a Heat pad. So I don't think it's temp related.
There's only 11 chicks and they range from a few days old to 2 weeks. And have quite a large brooder. I may be wrong, but I thought it is big enough!?

I will keep and eye and see if any others develop it. And I have been checking vents a cpl times a day, and no pasting *yet*

They are not on medicated feed, should I change to medicated?

 

[azygous]

No need to change the feed. The amprolium dose in medicated feed is too low to do any good if your chicks do have cocci. Getting some Corid and mixing it (liquid) at 2 teaspoons per quart of water can't hurt the chicks. If you suspect cocci, go ahead to be on the safe side.

But what you may be seeing is normal cecal poop. It's like a dab of chocolate pudding and is wicked smelling, but it's normal. Abnormal poop is very watery, and may be tinged with blood if it's cocci.

So happy to hear you're using the heating pad system. You should have no worries.

 

[beylabean]

No need to change the feed. The amprolium dose in medicated feed is too low to do any good if your chicks do have cocci. Getting some Corid and mixing it (liquid) at 2 teaspoons per quart of water can't hurt the chicks. If you suspect cocci, go ahead to be on the safe side.

But what you may be seeing is normal cecal poop. It's like a dab of chocolate pudding and is wicked smelling, but it's normal. Abnormal poop is very watery, and may be tinged with blood if it's cocci.

So happy to hear you're using the heating pad system. You should have no worries.

Thank you!
Our light was acting up and I didn't want to take any chances. And someone on here suggested it! I (and they) are loving it.

I will look into getting some corid. (I'm in Canada so not sure where sells it) but it is my mission to find out!

But yes...smells awful! No blood, just slimey, stinky poop!

 

[junebuggena]

Are you using electrolytes and vitamins in their water? If you're putting too much in, it can cause them to have runny poo.

 

[beylabean]

Are you using electrolytes and vitamins in their water? If you're putting too much in, it can cause them to have runny poo.

No. Just ACV