Chicks dying - No apparent reason

[jpace]

I purchased 30 Cornish Rocks chicks 13 days ago. 7 have died in the past 4 days, lost one a few minutes ago.

My first thought was Coccidiosis, but there is no bloody poop. A few seem to be breathing hard but there is no cough, wheeze, or rattles. At first they seem fine, then a bit lethargic, then they are gone. CRD?

I had the unfortunate experience of seeing one of the little guys in the last couple minutes before he expired. There was a lot of trembling / shaking and then his (her?) head bent backwards until it almost touched his back - then it was over...

I did not have them vaccinated for Mareks's. I purchased them at a local hatchery and picked them up, no mailing.

Any ideas for treatment?

John

Edit with additional info:
-I am feeding Purina Flock Raiser
-This is the 3rd batch of Cornish Rocks I have done this year. The brooder is cleaned and bleached in between batches.

 

[Camelot Farms]

Are you using medicated feed?

 

[jpace]

Quote:
No, I am feeding Purina Flockraiser - 20% protein

 

[pips&peeps]

Some types of cocci do not cause bleeding. I would treat right away.

They are too young to die from mareks. It takes about 6 or more weeks for symptoms to appear.

 

[jpace]

pips&peeps :

Some types of cocci do not cause bleeding. I would treat right away.

They are too young to die from mareks. It takes about 6 or more weeks for symptoms to appear.

That is a bit of good news.​

 

[jpace]

After reading till my head hurts, what is best for Coccidiosis? On BYC and other websites I found references to, Amprolin, Sulmet, Corid, and D-Methox for the treatment on Cocci. I also found references to using Terramycin and Duramycin.

In which order should I try to get these? If one is not available locally which should I default to next?

John

 

[pips&peeps]

Amprolium and corid are the same thing. I recommend it. You can get it in the cattle section of your local feed store.

 

[jpace]

Talked to the vet this afternoon and he did not think that it was Coccidious. He said the symptoms for Cocci usually take about three weeks to show up - and my chicks are 13 days old. He is thinking that is bacteria related and gave me Albon - 1 ounce per gallon of water.

Any thoughts on Albon?

 

[hinkjc]

Are these cornish cross (meat birds) or standard cornish?

I would say your vet would know best. Did he examine one to determine the course of treatment?

 

[jpace]

Quote:
No he did not. He made his conclusion with a detailed description from me. These are Cornish Cross - meat birds.