Cocci

[Chasitity]

I have lost seven chickens suddenly. I believe it is due to cocci due to he blood poop. As soon as this symptom started yesterday they began dying really fast. I started corid today. I was wondering if anyone knows how long before chickens get better and how many more should I expect to loose? I have 42 that are about the same age of 4 weeks. I am also treating 17 of the older ones that are about 10 weeks old even though they do not have symptoms. My Easter Eggers seem to be getting hit the hardest. Also what do you keep in your chicken first aid kit? I will always have corid on hand now, but really wish I had it yesterday evening. Any suggestions to prevent future outbreaks as well as what to keep on hand for emergencies would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Eggcessive]

The younger ones were probably exposed to cocci from the older chicks, since that can happen when raising different age chicks. Cocci is in the dirt and excreted in the poop, and chicks have to be exposed to it to build up immunity a little at a time. Since it may take 3 days before signs of cocci overload show up, it is possible to lose a few before knowing what is happening. Most people report that chicks will respond after the first day of treatment, and perk up, but they have to drink the medicated water. I would take each 4 wk old chick individually and dip it's beak into the water or give some carefully with a dropper. You can also moisten the food with it.

 

[Chasitity]

The younger ones were probably exposed to cocci from the older chicks, since that can happen when raising different age chicks. Cocci is in the dirt and excreted in the poop, and chicks have to be exposed to it to build up immunity a little at a time. Since it may take 3 days before signs of cocci overload show up, it is possible to lose a few before knowing what is happening. Most people report that chicks will respond after the first day of treatment, and perk up, but they have to drink the medicated water. I would take each 4 wk old chick individually and dip it's beak into the water or give some carefully with a dropper. You can also moisten the food with it.

Thank you. What is the best way to build up the immunity so it doesn't turn into an overload situation? I do keep them separated from the older ones, just curious as to what extra prevention I can take. Is this just what happens if you have chickens of two different ages?

 

[cafarmgirl]

Quote:
It's pretty much just always a risk when raising youngsters. They will develop resistance to the strains of cocci that are in their environment as they mature. You just have to be prepared to treat asap should they develop a full blown case of coccidiosis while they are in the process. Once they've been treated they don't usually come down with it again unless new birds are brought in, they move to new property or if their immune system is weakened for some other reason.

 

[BRippleChicks]

We caught ours early and all our chicks are doing well (if that's what mine have...I saw bloody poop and freaked out - only way to truly know if the bloody poop is cocci related is by having it tested, unfortunately). Cocci that attacks chickens lives in the ground and comes to the surface when the ground is wet - this strain only attacks chicks so your other livestock should be safe. So keeping your coop clean and dry is super important.

Treat all of them for this and make sure you are not under-medicating them right now. If you have some that are super lethargic, I would separate them to keep a closer eye on their water intake so you can use a dropper if needed. I would clean your coop now and again after your treatment cycle.

I have chickens 2 different ages as well and it was my 7wk leghorn that got it. I treated all of them. My girl's bloody poop stopped within 24 hrs of corrid. I plan to treat for 4-7 days and then again in 2 weeks (for another 4 days) because of the parasite life cycle. Between the two rounds of corrid I will add vitamins to their water since you cannot use vitamins with the corrid.

 

[BRippleChicks]

I found this posted on a different thread, submitted by "Casportpony" in 2013, (I hope I am doing this correctly to give her the proper credit) -

Amprol 20% powder:
http://www.asp-inc.com/products/documents/prodinfo/a/amp128.pdf

Amprol 9.6% liquid:
http://www.asp-inc.com/products/documents/prodinfo/a/amp96.pdf

FDA recommendations:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/animaldrugsatfda/details.cfm?dn=013-149
"Chickens
Indications: For the treatment of coccidiosis.
Amount: Administer at the 0.012 percent level in drinking water as soon as coccidiosis is diagnosed and continue for 3 to 5 days (in severe outbreaks, give amprolium at the 0.024 percent level); continue with 0.006 percent amprolium-medicated water for an additional 1 to 2 weeks."

 

[Chasitity]

Thanks so much to everyone for their help. I have separated all the girls into separate boxes based upon how they were acting. This is also helping me to monitor the poop situation as well as fluid and food intake. The very lethargic ones (3 Easter Eggers) have started to perk up and are drinking and even eating a little on their own. The medicine seems to be working well (fingers crossed). I am really thankful for everyone's advice. I am amazed at how quickly they seem to have gotten sick. I clean the boxes, feeders, and waterers everyday and am disappointed I wasn't more prepared. I suppose everything is a learning experience, and I am happy that Corid is working, just wish I had it on hand last evening. Going to say a prayer and hope I awake to healthy, happy, chirping chicks.

 

[LBurt6]

A few of our girls have been acting lethargic, two in particular. And I noticed bloody poop yesterday. I thought it was due to the leftover eggs Benedict I'd given them. Thinking the butter might have upset their tummies. I've since decided to go out a buy some Corid as a precaution. (only one of our girls is acting sick now) My question is, is it still ok to eat the eggs while there on the Corid? Will it cause my family any problems?

 

[casportpony]

A few of our girls have been acting lethargic, two in particular. And I noticed bloody poop yesterday. I thought it was due to the leftover eggs Benedict I'd given them. Thinking the butter might have upset their tummies. I've since decided to go out a buy some Corid as a precaution. (only one of our girls is acting sick now) My question is, is it still ok to eat the eggs while there on the Corid? Will it cause my family any problems?

You can eat the eats while they're on Corid.

-Kathy

 

[Roxannemc]

Have a lethargic chick.no bloody poo..Have looked every place for Corid or any antibiotic for them. Not one farm store has any near me.I'll drive a half hour away tomorrow but tonite am using all I have on hand tetracycaline.
Know it's good for bladder or lungs. Not sure for gut though..
What is corid exactly?. Anyone know off hand?I'm assuming Corid is the name brand.