Chicken Dead No signs of Illness??

[Beth G.]

I'm thinking this may be Cocci. I have had this happen to me recently and it sounds very familar. I treated for Cocci and my bird is better now. I would try some medicated chick starter and see if it helps. But, only if the bird is still young and not over 9 months old. The medicated feed can leave a residue on the inside of the egg membrane and you do not want to eat the eggs for a couple of months from this bird. That is why the medicated chick feed has you stop by the 6th to 8th week to get it out of the system prior to the pullets laying.

Best Wishes

B

 

[BellaBlue]

Thank you for all your support and advice. It sounds like all of you are saying the samething that it sounds like Cocci? However you spell it. I actually put the little chicken on the sulfmet < not sure if that is how it is spelled but, it says its an additive you put in the water for that cocci and other things. I do think it's something wrong with the intestines. I just hope this last one doesn't die on me! Wish her luck and say a pray for her tonight she needs to get better she is really a sweet chicken and has been very patient with me while I clean her butt off of all the poo on it. She also seems to have more spirit tonight so maybe that is a good thing. have a nice night all. Bella

 

[Kittymomma]

Beth G. :

I'm thinking this may be Cocci. I have had this happen to me recently and it sounds very familar. I treated for Cocci and my bird is better now. I would try some medicated chick starter and see if it helps. But, only if the bird is still young and not over 9 months old. The medicated feed can leave a residue on the inside of the egg membrane and you do not want to eat the eggs for a couple of months from this bird. That is why the medicated chick feed has you stop by the 6th to 8th week to get it out of the system prior to the pullets laying.

Best Wishes

B

It might be cocci, but if it is medicated feed won't help. The dose in the feed is very low and is designed to help them build resistence, not to handle a major overload. Unless you're feed has something other then Amprol in it there is no residue on the inside of the membrane and no withdrawl period for eggs. Even with an antibiotic the withdrawl period is only 3-weeks.

The reason they go off of it at 6-8 weeks is because the grower has a different protien content and they *should* have developed suffecient resistance to cocci by that age and not need the Amprol anymore. Sometimes they don't though or are moved and exposed to a different strain or in really wet conditions the protazoa can multiply to the point that it overwelms the bird. If that happens you can treat them (very succesfully if caught early) with Corid/Amprol or Sulmet. I believe there is a withdrawl period for the Sulmet, but I haven't used it and don't know for sure.

ETA: BellaBlue--Many people have good luck with Sulmet, but I think it's a little harder on their systems then the Amprol is. Since you've already started the Sulmet I'd stay with it, but it might be a good idea to add some priobotic to the treatment plan as well. I know a lot of people give the yoghurt, but it seems to be somewhat contorversial with others saying they can't handle dairy at all and it is bad for them

A small bit of priobotic gel from the feedstore might be better, but I haven't done it myself so if your interested in trying something like that it would probably be a good idea to start another post asking about priobotics with Sulmet and get some input from folks that have done it. Hope things start getting better soon.​

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
It might be cocci, but if it is medicated feed won't help. The dose in the feed is very low and is designed to help them build resistence, not to handle a major overload. Unless you're feed has something other then Amprol in it there is no residue on the inside of the membrane and no withdrawl period for eggs. Even with an antibiotic the withdrawl period is only 3-weeks.
The reason they go off of it at 6-8 weeks is because the grower has a different protien content and they *should* have developed suffecient resistance to cocci by that age and not need the Amprol anymore. Sometimes they don't though or are moved and exposed to a different strain or in really wet conditions the protazoa can multiply to the point that it overwelms the bird. If that happens you can treat them (very succesfully if caught early) with Corid/Amprol or Sulmet. I believe there is a withdrawl period for the Sulmet, but I haven't used it and don't know for sure.
ETA: BellaBlue--Many people have good luck with Sulmet, but I think it's a little harder on their systems then the Amprol is. Since you've already started the Sulmet I'd stay with it, but it might be a good idea to add some priobotic to the treatment plan as well. I know a lot of people give the yoghurt, but it seems to be somewhat contorversial with others saying they can't handle dairy at all and it is bad for them

A small bit of priobotic gel from the feedstore might be better, but I haven't done it myself so if your interested in trying something like that it would probably be a good idea to start another post asking about priobotics with Sulmet and get some input from folks that have done it. Hope things start getting better soon.

Hi,

We are both from CT and it is difficult to get Sulmet unless you order it and I find it can be harsh on the system. Considering the poor thing from what i've read has been through alot intestine wise, that is why I opted for the medicated chick feed suggestion as a more mild approach. We do not have alot of livestock dealers or stores within a close driving distance.

Also, My Medicated Chick feed is 20% Protein, My Flock Raiser is 20% Protein so what you said doesn't make sense to me but, maybe where you are from it's different.

Lastly the State Vet's office that tests my flock is the one that said the Medicated chick starter DOES contaminate the egg the inside of the egg and it gets a residue on the membraine. Considering she is telling me this and has gone to school for it I think I will believe what she is telling me unless you tell me you have gone to school for Livestock Medicine? I'm always open for advice but, not when I have a Vet telling me otherwise.

Anyway not here to argue only to help BellaBlue and considering we live in the same somewhat area I just figured I'd share what I went through that is all.

Have a good night and Hope your baby gets well BellaBlue.

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

Agree with the above, does not sound like any typical Marek's symptoms. Chickens are in prime age for getting coccidi and chage to new soil could bring that on as they get exposed to new strains. Corrid and Sulmet are treatment options. Corid is the milder of the two drugs.

 

[BellaBlue]

Quote:
Okay now I'm getting nervous. I'm so grateful that everyone is giving me advice on this. I just want the bird to get better. Should I worry about the Sulmet being to much for my birds insides? I do not want to shock her and the other stuff listed corrid? My fear is like Beth G. stated I do not have alot of options where I am from. The only thing is I had this Sulmet given to me by someone and I only have alittle bit so, I was going to give the medicated chick food b/c I can get that real easy at Agway or Drive up to Tractor Supply and see if they have it. I just want to do what is best for this one and am getting nervous. I just went out to check on her inbetween this post and the last. She seems better. Maybe I should just stick with the Sulmet today and tomorrow? She won't be laying eggs for 3+ months so I'm not worried about the eggs. I don't think she will lay an egg till spring time. but, not 100% sure about that but, I really don't think it will be that soon b/c she is 10 wks old I just had to check the paperwork I got.

 

[Kittymomma]

No, no going to school for Livestock Medicine here, but thanks for asking.

However, I'm not just pulling stuff out of the air either--Links below. We all have to do what we're comfortable with in regards to our birds and family, I'm comfortable eating birds and/or eggs that have been treated with Amprol based on my research but understand and respect that others might not be.

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary...lDrugProducts/FOIADrugSummaries/ucm148849.htm

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/UCM148835.pdf

 

[Kittymomma]

Here's a link with withdrawl and dosage for Sulmet. Like I said, I've never used it, but I would think you would be better off sticking with one med or the other for the best results and not trying to mix and match. http://www.drugs.com/vet/sulmet-drinking-water-solution-12-5.html

As far as the medicated feed goes, it really is designed as a preventative and just doesn't have enough of the meds in it to treat an active case of cocci, especially when it's all ready bad enough that you're losing birds. Would it be possible for you to take a fecal sample in to the vet in the morning and have them test it for cocci? Mine does it for around $20 and doesn't require an exam. I just drop the poo off and they call me in a few hours with results. It would really help you to know what direction to go if you know for sure if they have cocci or if it's something else.

 

[BellaBlue]

Quote:
Okay I did read those thanks Kittymomma. I do see though that although it says zero withdrawl below it does state it's in the egg.

In the edible tissues and in eggs of chickens and turkeys: 1 part per million (ppm) in uncooked liver and kidney and 0.5 ppm in uncooked muscle tissue. In eggs: 8 ppm in egg yolks, and 4 ppm in whole eggs.

I guess some people are more sensative to drugs meds etc.. I personally don't care right now about the egg consumption but like I said she definately Won't be laying an egg anytime soon so, that is a relief there eitherway.

But, still I am concerned b/c both of you said the Sulmet can be harsh on the system right? Kittymomma do you think I should not give it to her? She does seem better maybe let her drink it today and not give it to her tomorrow. Then can I give her the chick medicated food tomorrow instead? Will that hurt her in anyway? I am going to do what you said about the cat food. I have some on hand and maybe get her to get more protein. How many days do I give that to her? Sorry for all the questions but, I am new to this and all I can learn will be helpful.

thank you again all so much for your advice.

 

[BellaBlue]

I don't know where to take the poo to to have it tested. Can I take it to my dog vet? They are sometimes open on Saturdays.