Cocci

[00 Turok]

I want to start letting my chickens outside, but I read about Cocci in the soil could kill them if they don't build an immunity to it. I went to my local TSC to get some kind of preventative, but they didn't have anything. Just de-wormer.

Any suggestions?

 

[Erica]

If you put them on soil that has never had chickens on it (even better if there is grass on top of the soil) then they shouldn't get coccidiosis.

However you have to shift them to new ground every 48 hours for the first week or two, then you can start slowing down (say every 3 days for a few weeks, then every 4 days, then once a week).

They will 'seed' the soil with coccidia wherever you put them. The idea is to not let them stay on that ground (ingesting their own droppings) for too long. Coccidia take about 48 hours to 'ripen' after being deposited on the ground in droppings, so chicks being moved to uncontaminated ground every 2 days will *not* get cocci.

However they need some exposure in order to build up immunity. That's why you slow down the cage-moving to every few days, then a bit longer.

Watch for any signs of fluffing up, not eating, pale faces, drooping wings -- treat immediately.

This is how I do things generally, but it's not the only way. I'm sure others have simpler systems, but doing it this way ensures a graduated exposure to the parasite.

After a couple months they should have some immunity and could probably stay on the same ground for a week or so (but watch them closely).

If all you have is contaminated ground don't worry, just find the cleanest ground you have, and move them as above.

Unfortunately there are no guarantees as there are too many variables. For instance the above should work if the cage size is large and you have fewer than 25 birds. When you combine a smaller area with more chicks you get more droppings per inch and therefore more cocci. And hot weather with rainfall is the worst, and brings out cocci symptoms far more quickly.

But it's quite possible to raise chicks without coccidiosis (and without medication); in fact I do it most of the time.

best wishes, and good luck

Erica

 

[00 Turok]

Thanks... I only have 2 chickens right now. No chickens were ever here, but migratory birds are everywhere. Nearly every tree has a nest... & a squirrel

What about when it's time to move them to their coop & run? When I build up their immunity can they can stay in their run? I plan on laying down 3 inches of course sand for their coop & run floor. That way I can kitty scoop out the poo. It shouldn't be too

that way. Oh & how much medication do I give them IF they get cocci symptoms?

 

[dawg53]

I wouldnt worry about it. Put them out there and let them build their own natural immunity.