Coccidiosis prevention

[Roostie]

hello, my roo died this morning with what we suspected was coccidiosis...
We were only able to get one dose of Corid in him before he died. We are planning to give the three hens the five day treatment and then put the Corid in their water for the 21 day prevention.
I was wondering if you guys had any other methods of keeping away parasites and worming chickens or other medicine that works for you.

Thanks!

 

[paneubert]

Literal removal of the protozoa from the environment is the only effective way when trying to avoid a risk of coccidiosis. Cleaning the brooder regularly. Cleaning the coop regularly if they are older. Basically removing poop whenever possible.

And then of course treating at the first sign of a problem.

 

[Eggcessive]

If you still had his body you could refrigerate it and send it in to your state vet to look for a cause of death. You can sometimes tell with a home necropsy if it is done right away. Different strains of coccidia affect different areas of the bowel. Here is a link on what to look for:
https://thepoultrysite.com/publications/diseases-of-poultry/206/coccidiosis

Here is a link to find your state vet, and if the body is delivered tomorrow morning, they might get it done on Friday:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Keeping your bedding as clean and dry as possible, and changing the bedding when it is soiled is helpful prevention. Getting chickens out on clean grass, preventing muddy conditions can help.
Worming is a whole other subject. Give us more details about how many birds, what their ages are, and your location is helpful.

 

[Ebony Rose]

I prophylactically worm my birds 2 to 3 times annually as they have free reign of my HUGE fully fenced yard and I've been known to serve some raw-meat treats, so I go by the assumption that they're at higher risk of getting worms. Here in Panama, there are two types of worming/parasite medicines available, one only covers coccidiosis, the other is a more broad-spectrum anti-parasite medicine but doesn't cover the coccidiosis; both are added to their water and water is restricted to ONLY medicated water for the course of treatment. I personally do not put both medicines in the water at the same time; I don't know if they'd interact and I don't want to risk it. Do not add vitamin supplements to their diet while treating, as the coccidiosis medicine works by blocking absorption of some vitamins. After the course of treatment is complete, I add unsweetened yogurt to their normal feed (consistency of crumbles or mush) for a day or two to boost their gut bacteria. Chickens have a hard time digesting dairy, but the natural bacteria in yogurt helps their digestive tract; too much gives them diarrhea but then the worming medicine gives them diarrhea too, so... perfect timing for it