Chicks passing away

[Thatothercrazychickenlady]

hey guys,
A couple of days ago I noticed my 7 week old chicks started getting really quiet, were a bit off balance (just could trip a lot) and comb and waddles went pale. Then during big bird lock up I noticed one of my pullets passed away. I cleaned the coop and closely examined everyone. A few of the more lethargic birds are very light and thinner then the rest. It’s been pretty hot during the day. Going up to 35°C in my coop. It still feels cool when I’m in there. It’s shaded and there’s lots of ventilation. I change the water morning and night. They get ACV in it. They get chick starter (mind you we did try a different chick starter before going back to our normal brand 3 weeks ago) I fill their feeder in the morning. They still have some at night but by morning it’s empty again. Well since I cleaned the coop the chicks are more active and are pinking up again. Last night one of the cockerels was fluffed up and leathargic. So we separated him and added some vitamins to his water but he passed away this morning. Everyone seems perkier this morning but still a couple of them are worrying me. What could be going on?
No other symptoms other than fluffing, leathargic (not running away when I pick them up, falling asleep), poor balance, pale comb and death.
Could it be heat? The feed? Poisoning? (I was on vacation and apparently they broke out and found a pile of moldy cat food). There’s no new birds in the coop. All hatched together and been fine till now. I don’t see any notes or lice hanging around. They are all eating and drinking all though some not as much as they should. Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[DobieLover]

Fluffed up, lethargic and their age points to a strong possibility of coccidiosis.
Do you have access to amprolium? If so, you should start treating them ASAP.

 

[Kiki]

I would get some Corid ASAP and treat them for coccidiosis.

Corid Liquid

• Kiki
• Apr 16, 2018

Corid Powder

• Kiki
• Apr 16, 2018

Also stop adding everything to their water.
Plain clean fresh water is best.

 

[Kiki]

Shoot...I just noticed you are in Canada.
Amprolium from a vet might be what you have up there.

 

[Thatothercrazychickenlady]

Thanks guys, I really didn’t consider coccidiosis because they’re poops have been normal. I will try!

 

[DobieLover]

Thanks guys, I really didn’t consider coccidiosis because they’re poops have been normal. I will try!

Often times, you will never see blood in the poop when an outbreak of coccidiosis starts. I've had two outbreaks and never saw it.

 

[Farmer Connie]

coccidiosis is very common in young birds, before their immune system is fully developed.
Almost always caused by dirty conditions in close quarters. Food dishes and water dishes must be maintained/cleaned almost daily. As well as their confinement area.
You will find once birds make it to the adult stage, they will dig thru poop and nastiness to find that last hidden food gem hiding somewhere, without consequences.

 

[Thatothercrazychickenlady]

Thanks. I know what cocci is just never had to deal with it. I do wash everything daily and had told my chicken sitter to do the same while I was away. Very disappointed that this could probably have been avoided had I just gotten my normal medicated chick starter instead of grabbing regular stuff when they were out of stock on medicated. At least the vet will be out tomorrow so hopefully I don’t lose anymore.

coccidiosis is very common in young birds, before their immune system is fully developed.
Almost always caused by dirty conditions in close quarters. Food dishes and water dishes must be maintained/cleaned almost daily. As well as their confinement area.
You will find once birds make it to the adult stage, they will dig thru poop and nastiness to find that last hidden food gem hiding somewhere, without consequences.