Agree with chookschick, her medication advice is spot on. These medications do not actually kill the parasites, they only reduce their ablility to multiply, and prevent further damage, but do not fix what has already been done.
The parasites multiply in the layer of cells that lines the small intestine. They rupture the cell open and are released, which leads to damage to this important layer of cells, and results in bleeding into the intestine. These cells are responsible for absorbing nutrients, so damage to a large number of them results in malnutrition, even when the chicks are still eating.
Unfortunately the damage can be severe before signs become apparent. That is why many of us use medicated feed; it does not prevent the chicks from getting coccidia, but it prevents infestations from becoming severe, while still allowing the chicks to develop natural immunity to the parasites.
Surviving chicks should be kept in a warm, clean area and fed a very digestible diet. I also often feed my sick birds yogurt, and often mix it with vegetable and/or oatmeal canned baby food. They also may benefit from electrolytes, in particular because it is a good source of easy-to-absorb sugar to help give them energy. I would also offer plain water in another bowl.
Good luck!
The parasites multiply in the layer of cells that lines the small intestine. They rupture the cell open and are released, which leads to damage to this important layer of cells, and results in bleeding into the intestine. These cells are responsible for absorbing nutrients, so damage to a large number of them results in malnutrition, even when the chicks are still eating.
Unfortunately the damage can be severe before signs become apparent. That is why many of us use medicated feed; it does not prevent the chicks from getting coccidia, but it prevents infestations from becoming severe, while still allowing the chicks to develop natural immunity to the parasites.
Surviving chicks should be kept in a warm, clean area and fed a very digestible diet. I also often feed my sick birds yogurt, and often mix it with vegetable and/or oatmeal canned baby food. They also may benefit from electrolytes, in particular because it is a good source of easy-to-absorb sugar to help give them energy. I would also offer plain water in another bowl.
Good luck!
