cocci?

[Suellyn]

Quote:
I know, and I understand that, and I am not trying to thread hijack, BUT WHERE DO THEY GET THE PROTOZOA IF THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN OUTSIDE OR EXPOSED TO OTHER BIRDS/WILDLIFE??????????????

I am a Vet Tech working as a Zookeeper for 15+ yrs and have seen/treated numerous species for coccidiosis, am also highly proficient at identifying the little creepy one-celled things via microscopy, I just truly and TRULY do NOT understand how they get it if you hatched them & have been inside in brooder for all of their short lil' lives (!!!!)

Good info on treatment and on ID of coccidia-laden poops, though...

 

[chickenlady]

If you have other chickens outside, which the OP does, I believe you can bring cocci in on your clothes. I also believe a dog might be able to carry it in the house. I could be wrong though, I'm sure someone else will answer.

 

[AHappychick]

sorry i was out all day (getting new chicks) but anyway I will post a pic soon as I can but the blood did not look like the pic Oh I hope it is not that!

 

[AHappychick]

they are in a brooder built in a stall shower so I was able to get a pic from when they jumped over the other night and were on what was clean white tile. I can see it in the litter too. I think I am going to assume it is cocci although none are showing any other symptoms.

Now I need to consult my books because of my need to do things organically I have been dreading dealing with diseases (although new it would happen one day I am realistic)

 

[chickenlady]

Has this been constant with the blood in it? Have you fed them anything that would make it turn red like strawberries or beets or something else?

 

[AmazinglyBlessed]

If I remember correctly, cocci is like e-coli. It lives naturally in the intestines, and isn't a problem unless it is eaten.

A natural remedy is vinegar. 1 tbsp per quart of water (1/4 c per gallon) for 3 days or until symptoms are gone. I'm not sure if it kills the cocci or if it stops the symptoms until they can build an immunity to it.
I do know that we lost several chicks to cocci before we found this solution. When we mail order chicks, we give this to them for their first couple days, then as needed.

Cocci is worse of a problem in crowded and damp/wet environments, which explains why we don't have a problem once the chicks are over 4 or 5 weeks; they are free range (locked up at night, of course)

Hope this helps.

 

[AHappychick]

Well after consulting all of my books lol the only thing that I was not actively doing (they get vinager in their water and I have DE in their food and litter) was giving them yogurt. If that does not seem to help I will try a fast followed by cleansing foods. None look sick and by all of the threads I have read it seems as though almost all chickens have coci in one form or another since there are soooooo many strains and types of it. We will see for now they are all secluded and I am trying hard to remember to change after being with them, although I am sure I have spred it all arounbd by now anyway.

 

[Suellyn]

I read the HECK outta coccidia last night, just out of curiosity & confusion... Seems it's quite "species-specific" although there are several different "Eimeria" species of cocci that can impact chickens, all are fecal-oral transmission, though... chicks have to ingest infected/infested feces to get it, they do not hatch with it in their intestines...

I don't know if this is remotely feasible for the average backyard chicken owner, or for you, but what are the chances of having a local vet run a fecal sample on suspected chicks? Coccidia (of pretty much any species) are relatively easy to see under a microscope, I would not think they need to be an avian or livestock specialist to identify this intestinal parasite...

I am just thinking that there are multiple reasons for bloody stool or diarrhea, and for some people it's no big deal to prophylactically treat for coccidia with corid or something, but for other people the thought of medications are more troublesome, so it would be nice to know for sure if it really is coccidia, as opposed to something that can be corrected without anti-parasitic drugs. ??

Not judging, and *NOT* suggesting that bloody diarrhea/sick chicks be left untreated (!!!), BUT if a vet could run a fecal for 10 or $15, then it could be helpful in determining how aggressive to get with anti-parasitics...

How are chicks today? Any more blood in stool or additional symptoms??

Good luck

 

[gordy123]

I have a question for AmazinglyBlessed or anyone who has used this natural remedy of vinegar solution for cocci? Is this something that can also be given periodically as a preventative? We just picked up 8 hens from a guy in our area, they look healthy, a little thin and hungry, a little bald...he kept them inside with a lamp and a box...says they are between 1 yr and 18 mo they are Americanas (not sure of spelling for this) and he also said they are pretty much done laying? Is this true? Any info appreciated!