coccidiosis my old nemesis (non urgent)

[clickchicks]

I'm mostly looking to get affirmation that I'm doing the right thing here. I've had SUCH a bad time with coccidiosis in the past that I'm fearful of it even though I'm prepared.

My current batch of chicks is just about to turn 10 weeks old. They've been outside in the main run (segregated from my adult hens but in the same area) since week 7.

This morning, for the first time since getting them, I noticed one of them didn't feel well. They're sleeping in a dog kennel inside the coop (to keep the big girls from pummeling). I went to let them out, and all of them ran out with vigor per usual except this one. She just sort of toddled out, walked around, didn't seem interested in eating or drinking then sat down in corner. I took her aside until she pooped, and sure enough, there's some blood. Pic below for confirmation.

I've started everyone on Corid. 2tsp/gal (their waterer is only 1/2 gal, so 1 tsp). And because I'm paranoid, JUST in case, I have some sulfameds on hand as a backup (this product: https://jedds.com/products/trimethoprin-sulfa-medpet).

I nearly lost all of my chicks last year to a very bad case of coccidiosis + necrotic enteritis. Luckily a vet was able to prescribe antibiotics in time, but the Corid did NOT fix the problem last year. Those chicks had a rough start and had problems from a young age, these have had no problems so I'm really hoping just the Corid will be enough.

I guess for a question, I know 5-7 days on the treatment dose Corid, but how soon until I know if it is/isn't going to work? How soon should I expect this chick who's not feeling great to perk up, vs how soon should I call it that things need to be moved along to the heavier meds?

Also, my Corid bottle is a few years old. Exp isn't until 2024, but should I get a fresh bottle since its been open for 2-3 years?

 

[dawg53]

It would be best to get the one chick separated and get her started on the SMZ-TMP.

 

[clickchicks]

It would be best to get the one chick separated and get her started on the SMZ-TMP.

Ok, do you think I should go ahead and treat the others with sulfa drug or just the worst one? Should I do a drench for the sickest?

 

[dawg53]

If there arnt any signs of lethargy or shed intestinal lining in the rest of your birds, there's no need to give them Corid nor SMZ-TMP.

 

[Shadrach]

I'm mostly looking to get affirmation that I'm doing the right thing here. I've had SUCH a bad time with coccidiosis in the past that I'm fearful of it even though I'm prepared.

My current batch of chicks is just about to turn 10 weeks old. They've been outside in the main run (segregated from my adult hens but in the same area) since week 7.

This morning, for the first time since getting them, I noticed one of them didn't feel well. They're sleeping in a dog kennel inside the coop (to keep the big girls from pummeling). I went to let them out, and all of them ran out with vigor per usual except this one. She just sort of toddled out, walked around, didn't seem interested in eating or drinking then sat down in corner. I took her aside until she pooped, and sure enough, there's some blood. Pic below for confirmation.

I've started everyone on Corid. 2tsp/gal (their waterer is only 1/2 gal, so 1 tsp). And because I'm paranoid, JUST in case, I have some sulfameds on hand as a backup (this product: https://jedds.com/products/trimethoprin-sulfa-medpet).

I nearly lost all of my chicks last year to a very bad case of coccidiosis + necrotic enteritis. Luckily a vet was able to prescribe antibiotics in time, but the Corid did NOT fix the problem last year. Those chicks had a rough start and had problems from a young age, these have had no problems so I'm really hoping just the Corid will be enough.

I guess for a question, I know 5-7 days on the treatment dose Corid, but how soon until I know if it is/isn't going to work? How soon should I expect this chick who's not feeling great to perk up, vs how soon should I call it that things need to be moved along to the heavier meds?

Also, my Corid bottle is a few years old. Exp isn't until 2024, but should I get a fresh bottle since its been open for 2-3 years?

I believe the expiry date is for a sealed/unopened bottle so getting a new bottle would be a good idea.
I'm not a fan of putting medication in water especially for life threatening problem.
Dose each bird showing symptoms by hand.
If the problem is just coccidiosis then you should see improvements in 24 hrs assuming you have given the correct dose.

 

[clickchicks]

Ok so here's where I'm at. No one local has any corid; called the two feed stores near me, one if which is a Tractor Supply, and they don't even have a store nearby who can transfer. They only have pellets, no liquid or powder. I've ordered a bottle on Amazon but it wont get here until Friday.

I have the sick one in a separate pen right now, but she's very upset. Pacing and vocalizing, which I guess is a good thing that she feels well enough to do that.

If I should see improvement within 24 hours with Corid, I wonder if I should try a direct oral dose/drench of what I do have just to see if anything changes? Then, if no improvement by tomorrow, switch to SMZ-TMP? I got the sulfa meds to use them if needed, so I'm willing to do it, but I do worry about jumping right to an antibiotic.