Coccidiosis

[Rhonda 00]

Hello!
I’ve got three chickens, 2 that are showing signs of coccidiosis.
I’m treating with Corid. Today is Day 3.
I’m leaving for a 10 day trip and having a young man (15) care for them while I’m gone in
My question: I can administer the 5th dose before I leave, but don’t really want to put this treatment in the hands of this young man.
He has cared for them before and is very conscientious, but this is beyond what he has done for them.
Is 5 days long enough?
Can I pre-mix the medication and have him give them this water if it’s in capped gallon water jugs? Is that okay or not “fresh” enough?
I usually follow with vitamin water. But wondering if I can do that when I get home 10 days later?
I’m very anxious about leaving my chickens. I’d rather stay home, but my husband has planned a 40th anniversary trip that is non-refundable.
Help ease my mind!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, you can premix the Corid water for the 5th day. Vitamins are not completely necessary afterward, although they don’t hurt. How old are these chickens? What symptoms have you seen?

 

[Rhonda 00]

Yes, you can premix the Corid water for the 5th day. Vitamins are not completely necessary afterward, although they don’t hurt. How old are these chickens? What symptoms have you seen?

They are all nearly 6 years old.
Two of them have very watery diarrhea. One has blood in it.
They’re both not eating much and a bit lethargic. The 3rd is acting normal.
I’ve had chickens for 10 years. I recognize the coccidiosis.
My only concern is really leaving them when they are sick. I can’t expect my chicken sitter to see what I see.
I know I can premix the water for the 5th day, but what if I want to mix water for 2 more days? Is that not considered fresh water?
I just want to make sure I wipe this out while I’m gone.
Thank you!!

 

[Eggcessive]

You can mix the water ahead of time for the two more days. The reason most of us recommend making a fresh batch daily, is so they don’t contaminate the water by stepping in it and pooping. You can mix it in gallon jugs or waterers. You could also refrigerate it premade, but take it out to warm to room temp before they drink it.
Usually older chickens have built up a resistance to coccidia organisms when they are young under 3 months old. I would consider worming them, since worms can cause blood in droppings.

 

[Rhonda 00]

You can mix the water ahead of time for the two more days. The reason most of us recommend making a fresh batch daily, is so they don’t contaminate the water by stepping in it and pooping. You can mix it in gallon jugs or waterers. You could also refrigerate it premade, but take it out to warm to room temp before they drink it.
Usually older chickens have built up a resistance to coccidia organisms when they are young under 3 months old. I would consider worming them, since worms can cause blood in droppings.

Ahhh, I can try that.
What do you use for deworming?
I’ve only done natural deworming with garlic in their water.

 

[Eggcessive]

Albendazole or Valbazen 0.5 ml orally once and repeated in 10-14 days will treat most worms except tapeworms which are rare. 10% SafeGuard Liquid Goat Wormer 1.25 ml for a 5 pound hen given orally daily for 5 consecutive days will also treat those same worms. The latter is easier to find in most feed stores. Unfortunately garlic, cayenne pepper, pumpkin seeds, apple cider vinegar, or DE will not treat worms. I and many other have learned that from experience over the years. If your vet is willing to do a fecal float on a sample with some blood or not, that may tell you if they have a worm problem and what type.

 

[Rhonda 00]

Unfortunately

Albendazole or Valbazen 0.5 ml orally once and repeated in 10-14 days will treat most worms except tapeworms which are rare. 10% SafeGuard Liquid Goat Wormer 1.25 ml for a 5 pound hen given orally daily for 5 consecutive days will also treat those same worms. The latter is easier to find in most feed stores. Unfortunately garlic, cayenne pepper, pumpkin seeds, apple cider vinegar, or DE will not treat worms. I and many other have learned that from experience over the years. If your vet is willing to do a fecal float on a sample with some blood or not, that may tell you if they have a worm problem and what

 

[Rhonda 00]

Unfortunately

I don’t have a vet anywhere close by me that will care for chickens.
So I have to rely on online information.
I will try the dewormer.
I hate to do all of this and not be here to monitor them.
But, of course this happens just before I have to leave town.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[kattabelly]

I don’t have a vet anywhere close by me that will care for chickens.

A faecal float is a simple test that can be used to check for parasites in other species besides chickens. Even a vet who won't treat chickens might be willing to do one - it would be worth asking.

 

[Rhonda 00]

A faecal float is a simple test that can be used to check for parasites in other species besides chickens. Even a vet who won't treat chickens might be willing to do one - it would be worth asking.

I can ask.