Coccidiosis or Intestinal Lining?

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

When scooping poop from the coop this morning, I noticed two poops had gelatinous/stringy red bits in it resembling blood. Should I go ahead and treat for coccidiosis? All the poops in the run looked normal and all my hens are acting bright, eating, drinking, etc.

My hens are all 3.5 y/o; no recent changes to the coop or new birds. A few are molting pretty hard while others have just finished up.

 

[coach723]

At 3.5 years with no changes in the flock it's less likely to be coccidiosis, they should have some resistance to it at that age, and since they are acting, eating drinking normally that's probably not it. It looks more like intestinal shed to me, but that can be caused by other types of parasites, like roundworm. It also looks runny and mucousy, another symptom of possible worms. If you can get a fecal test done I would do that, if not and you have never wormed them, or it's been a while, then I'd consider doing that. Since they are molting I would use albendazole (Valbazen) rather than fenbendazole (Safeguard, Panacur) as fenbendazole is reported to possibly cause issues with feather regrowth if given during molt. You will probably have to order Valbazen, it's not usually available locally.
Dosing is .5 ml for a standard sized bird (actual math is "weight in lbs / 2.2 x 20 / 113.6"), dose twice 10 days apart, orally.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

At 3.5 years with no changes in the flock it's less likely to be coccidiosis, they should have some resistance to it at that age, and since they are acting, eating drinking normally that's probably not it. It looks more like intestinal shed to me, but that can be caused by other types of parasites, like roundworm. It also looks runny and mucousy, another symptom of possible worms. If you can get a fecal test done I would do that, if not and you have never wormed them, or it's been a while, then I'd consider doing that. Since they are molting I would use albendazole (Valbazen) rather than fenbendazole (Safeguard, Panacur) as fenbendazole is reported to possibly cause issues with feather regrowth if given during molt. You will probably have to order Valbazen, it's not usually available locally.
Dosing is .5 ml for a standard sized bird (actual math is "weight in lbs / 2.2 x 20 / 113.6"), dose twice 10 days apart, orally.

I appreciate your thoughtful response! I've been keeping a close eye on them all day and have yet to see another troubling poop. I'll take a sample to my vet. I usually deworm them every 6 months, and your reply reminds me that they're just about due again. I have valbazen in hand, thankfully.

Good to know it's *probably* not coccidiosis. I was hesitant to jump to conclusions yet I also know you're supposed to act fast with that.

Thanks again!

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

@coachjust took this one from the droppings board. I'm taking it to the vet for testing today. I'm also waiting in dewormer to arrive--but maybe I'll hear from the vet which exact worms they have in the meantime. I hope it's not cocci.... all hens are still active, eating and drinking and their poops look great other than this one pictured.

 

[coach723]

I still don't think it's coccidiosis. Let us know what the test shows. Some occasional shed can be nothing to worry about, but getting a fecal is a good idea. If the fecal comes back negative and you continue to see shed on a regular basis then repeating the test in a few weeks is a good idea. It's not real common, but it's possible to get a false negative if the worms cycle is hit just at the right time. Since they are all acting normally and eating and drinking well, it's not an emergency, so you have time. I deal with roundworm on a regular basis, don't even test anymore, I just treat if I see symptoms or abnormal droppings from mine. There is really no risk to a healthy bird to worm them if in doubt.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

I still don't think it's coccidiosis. Let us know what the test shows. Some occasional shed can be nothing to worry about, but getting a fecal is a good idea. If the fecal comes back negative and you continue to see shed on a regular basis then repeating the test in a few weeks is a good idea. It's not real common, but it's possible to get a false negative if the worms cycle is hit just at the right time. Since they are all acting normally and eating and drinking well, it's not an emergency, so you have time. I deal with roundworm on a regular basis, don't even test anymore, I just treat if I see symptoms or abnormal droppings from mine. There is really no risk to a healthy bird to worm them if in doubt.

I'll keep you posted on what I find out. I have safeguard aquasol coming to have on hand. I'll just have to figure out dosage for their water. My molters are already growing back feathers so I think it'll be okay (they're past the dropping feathers point). I realize I've used valbazen the last few times and I don't want the worms to build a tolerance.

 

[coach723]

I know that there is purportedly a chance of feather issues with Safeguard during molt, but I've never actually seen an issue. I've used it during molt on occasion with no issues, and I know others have said they have also. Just something to be aware of and to consider. But I wouldn't worry.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

I know that there is purportedly a chance of feather issues with Safeguard during molt, but I've never actually seen an issue. I've used it during molt on occasion with no issues, and I know others have said they have also. Just something to be aware of and to consider. But I wouldn't worry.

I just received the fecal results. Negative for anything. I had seen other poops beyond the one I brought in with intestinal shed, so my only worry is that the wrong chicken's poop got tested. I suppose I'll deworm the flock in case detection of worms was missed due to timing--since I generally do every 6 months anyway. Wouldn't hurt right?

I'm waiting on Safeguard Aquasol which I mix into their water. I've never used it before, so I'm a bit nervous. But, it'll prevent (I hope) resistance to Valbazen and be (I hope) easier than direct dosing.

 

[coach723]

It won't do any harm to worm them at all. I've never used the Aquasol, due to the cost, but at the correct dosing it should be effective.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

It won't do any harm to worm them at all. I've never used the Aquasol, due to the cost, but at the correct dosing it should be effective.

I can't afford it either--bought a small amount off of someone (which is what I do for elector PSP as well). thanks so much for your advice!