Chicks with Diarrhea

[Matilda Belle]

I have 3 day old chicks with diarrhea and I’m concerned about coccidiosis. I would treat with corid except for the fact that I don’t have any and can’t get to the store today or tomorrow due to a snow storm. Is there anything else I can give them until I can get to the store?

Edit - The only thing I have on hand are these rooster boosters (both expired). I also have apple cider vinegar, permethrin liquid and oregano oil capsules if those are helpful at all

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

If they do have a coccidiosis problem B vitamins will make it worse. Do you have pictures of the poop?

 

[Matilda Belle]

Here is a photo. No lethargy that I’ve noticed so far. Just diarrhea.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

What are you feeding? Are they drinking plain or water or does it have additives?

 

[Matilda Belle]

nonmedicated feed and plain water.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I don’t know that I would worry. It’s been a while since I had chicks until my latest batch and I didn’t pay that much attention to their poop but it doesn’t look concerning to me. If you switch to medicated feed be sure to give them a little chunk of soil from the ground where they will eventually live. It does happen that chicks that young get coccidiosis overload but I don’t know if that poop is enough to say that is the case. Let me tag an educator who will know more @Wyorp Rock

 

[Matilda Belle]

I don’t know that I would worry. It’s been a while since I had chicks until my latest batch and I didn’t pay that much attention to their poop but it doesn’t look concerning to me. If you switch to medicated feed be sure to give them a little chunk of soil from the ground where they will eventually live. It does happen that chicks that young get coccidiosis overload but I don’t know if that poop is enough to say that is the case. Let me tag an educator who will know more @Wyorp Rock

Thanks. I’m trying not to worry since they don’t have any other symptoms. I wouldn’t worry at all if they were my own stock but these are hatching eggs from a breeder I’m not all that familiar with. Thanks for your help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have 3 day old chicks with diarrhea and I’m concerned about coccidiosis.

Hard to tell if they are 3days old or if you have 3, day old chicks

Either way, 3day old chicks normally would not present with Coccidiosis. Usually it shows up at around 2weeks of age or so.

I would see that everyone is eating/drinking well. I don't necessarily see anything concerning with the poop photos, but it wouldn't hurt to source some Corid to have on hand and begin treating at around day 10 or so.

Liquid Corid (Amprolium) dose is 2tsp or Powdered Corid Dose is 1 1/2tsp per gallon of water given for 5-7 days as the only source of drinking water.
Do not add any extra vitamins/electrolytes that contain B1(Thiamine) to food or water during the course of treatment.