Magnolia7330
Songster
First I want to say I am a total chicken newbie and this is my first flock. Before we got our chickens I took a backyard chicken class. This class taught me the basics of raising a small backyard flock. One of the recommendations was to get in contact with a vet (they had a vet they recommended for chickens) and take in a fecal sample for a fecal float test in the Fall and Spring. This would be to check for worms and to make sure the flock is healthy. Well, I've noticed a couple of our chickens have looked a tiny bit skinnier than they should be. I thought with it getting closer to winter they should start looking fluffier. I remembered what they guys said about this fecal float test. So, today I took in their samples and the outcome surprised me. They did not have worms, however, they have a mild-moderate case of coccidia. It's suspected the 2 new pullets we bought a couple of months ago brought it in with them. We now have medication and the birds will be treated over the next 7 days. I am just really happy it was caught early and we shouldn't lose any birds. It helps to be diligent and monitor your flock (even if your other half thinks you are being paranoid-which I am, but it paid off this time).
