Cocci? Is there consistently bloody poos?

[TheFarmMama]

I have a 5 wk old RIR pullet, Shortcake, that was pooping what looked like straight blood, followed later by blood and blood clots. There were 4 or 5 spots in the brooder with mostly just blood on the shavings (pine). She's perfectly fine otherwise, running about, eating, drinking, etc. Most of what I've read says this points to Cocci despite her still normal activity level but what I am wondering is with Cocci, would she have continous bloody stools or is this something that can be on and off? Before we left earlier today she had another movement, this time more actual poop than blood and when we got back there were no signs of blood at all in any of the droppings. I just want to know if I should head to TSC in the morning for meds or if it sounds more like she might have eaten something she shouldn't have. We did put them out in the yard for a bit yesterday but she was enclosed so I can't see her having gotten into anything too abnormal. We did change their bedding from Aspen to Pine to get rid of the leftovers which had lots of small pieces in the bottom...is it possible she swallowed some and they roughed her up inside a bit? All 3 of the other pullets are fine, normal stools and behavior. Also, if it is Cocci, would bleach kill the bacteria from any of the equipment I've used around them or on the bottom of the brooder? Any advice/help would be much appreciated. Thanks yall.

 

[speckledhen]

If I saw that, I'd treat the whole batch for cocci with Corid (preferably, or Sulmet if you can't get Corid). She's the perfect age to show signs of cocci. Worms can cause it, but most chicks that age don't have worms to that degree that would cause bloody poop.

Bleach will not kill the oocysts that cause cocci since it's not a bacteria, but a protozoan. Ammonia will, but they're in the soil and it's hard to clean the soil. Also, get some plain unsweetened yogurt with active cultures and give them some daily for awhile. Buttermilk will help, too. If they won't eat yogurt, sprinkle some crumble or chopped hardboiled egg on it.

 

[TheFarmMama]

Thanks for the tips Cynthia, I appreciate it! It's just the 4 of them together right now so I shouldn't have to treat anyone else since they have not been in the same areas correct? They are all in their own outdoor/indoor pens away from the little guys' droppings. I should add that the rest are 3+ mos older than these 4. We just got them Easter weekend from a swap.

 

[speckledhen]

I meant to say that worms can cause bleeding, not that worms can cause cocci, LOL. I really should read back my answers every time before I hit submit! Yes, treat the group that is together. Sounds like they had cocci when they got to you.

 

[TheFarmMama]

It's k, I knew what ya meant. I'm trying to see if I can get some meds from TSC but of course they are too busy to talk and no one ever called me back before close

They definitely didn't get it while they were here I know that much because not one of mine has ever had it. That would be why I hate getting birds from other people, however good their intentions are, you never know what they've been exposed to. I'd much rather always hatch my own not to mention it's waaay more fun! lol Thanks again!