cocci?

[seminolewind]

Julie, you worry to much. As much as you worry they probably have a perfect home and someone cares very well for them. Almost everyone goes thru the chick/coccidiosis thing. They do become resistant to it. They do carry some in their intestines normally. Problem is when the numbers get out of hand. That's very easy in a chick.

I had my last batch vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery. A week after they went out (6 weeks I think) one got symptoms of it. They got some med in their water and that was that.

They need to be exposed to the microbes around them to develop resistance. Keeps them healthy.

 

[julie42a]

Thanks I do worry a lot, about every little sneeze or weird thing and I need to chill, I know. I didn't at first, and then one got REALLY sick and now I'm afraid I'm going to miss something. I suppose, like my kids, they're tougher than I give them credit for.

 

[seminolewind]

Stuff happens whether or not you worry. I know having a sick one sends us all into a worrying frenzy. But you'll get into a routine like checking their poop under the roost bar, seeing that their crop fills and empties, stuff like that. If you spend a lot of time around them, you learn what's normal and what's not. Unless it's blood, I usually have to see 2 symptoms to say they're sick. Like a runny poop is probably okay, but a runny poop and fluffed up standing in a corner is different.

 

[Michael Apple]

I prevent much by paying close attention. When I see a hen preferring solitude from the rest, no matter how healthy in appearance, I keep a close watch, and treat according to symptoms before they get weak. I use numbered bandettes on legs so I can identify one among numbers of the same breed. It is a good idea to keep records. Coccidiosis, intestinal worms, and bacterial infections are the most common, so it is good to always be prepared with the right medicine in the cabinet. Moulting birds can become weak too, and prone to infection, which is why supplementing diet is important.

 

[seminolewind]

I prevent much by paying close attention. When I see a hen preferring solitude from the rest, no matter how healthy in appearance, I keep a close watch, and treat according to symptoms before they get weak. I use numbered bandettes on legs so I can identify one among numbers of the same breed. It is a good idea to keep records. Coccidiosis, intestinal worms, and bacterial infections are the most common, so it is good to always be prepared with the right medicine in the cabinet. Moulting birds can become weak too, and prone to infection, which is why supplementing diet is important.

Ya know Michael, I had 3 Black JG's, and for 7 years I knew exactly who was who. By their eyes.

Julia, one thing I always do is keep thinking real simple and common. If a chicken has something, it's usually a pretty popular microbe.

 

[julie42a]

Thank you, that is all very good advice! I do think I tend to overthink things a bit (maybe more than a bit) but these are my first chickens and seeing all the things that CAN go wrong is a bit overwhelming. But I check the poop board in the morning, and pick up all the poop in the coop and run every day, so I'm paying attention to that, and I watch to see who's eating and drinking more or less, and who's wandering around the yard more when they're out of the coop/run. And I have meds on hand like Corid and Safeguard and antibiotics, so really, I think I'm prepared if something happens, I'd just really rather it didn't!
I only have the five girls, so I can tell them apart no problem. And they really have distinct personalities! My big red girls are bossy, and my SLW's are divas-they complain about everything,LOUDLY-and my leghorn is my cranky middle child, but she's also the brainsof the opperation for sure! Its so funny that they have so much personality, I wasn't really expecting that when I got the first chicks way back in March.
Just curiously, at what age will they moult?
Thanks for all the help and reassurance!!!
Julie

See what I mean about being a diva??? This is where she would roost if I let her!

 

[julie42a]

Just a quick update, everyone is still doing well and all the poop seems to be looking normal so I am very encouraged. I will continue with the Corid until Saturday for sure, that will be a week. I am hearing some sneezes and seeing the occasional runny nose, but no one seems distressed so I will monitor that but try not to stress too much. I want to give them some vitamins/electrolytes when they're done with the Corid. Is there something better than the Rooster Booster brand I have on hand or are they all pretty much the same?
Thanks!
Julie

 

[Michael Apple]

Just a quick update, everyone is still doing well and all the poop seems to be looking normal so I am very encouraged. I will continue with the Corid until Saturday for sure, that will be a week. I am hearing some sneezes and seeing the occasional runny nose, but no one seems distressed so I will monitor that but try not to stress too much. I want to give them some vitamins/electrolytes when they're done with the Corid. Is there something better than the Rooster Booster brand I have on hand or are they all pretty much the same?
Thanks!
Julie

Here's some facts on supplementation:
http://www.poultry-health.com/library/solvits.htm
Here are a few good quality manufacturers of water dispersible supplements.

Old Stone Fort: http://www.asp-inc.com/osf/

Dawe's: http://www.dawesnutrition.com/_reports.html#protekallplus

Some excellent feed supplements can be found at some pigeon supply outfits. Avio-Multibreed, or Avio-Multivite powder, when mixed according to directions keep feed supplementation simple. Both are manufactured by Aviomed and very beneficial. Many people overlook thioctic acid and choline in diets. These both help with liver support and detoxification.

 

[julie42a]

Thanks very much!!!

 

[Anna Taylor]

Help is this cocci?