diarrhea in 11 wk pullet....camplylobacter

[ajordan]

I have a total of 5 pullets, three 7wk old, one 11 wk old, and a 20wk old. The 11 wk old has runny stool. They all share a coop witchita cabin design. I got sick a week ago and diagnosed with camplylobacter which was confirmed through a sample. My husband nor kids got sick so im 100% sure I got this from the chickens as to I am the one that takes care of them. My question is can i and should i put corid or baytril in their water? The two older ones are let out during the day to free range. They dont look or act sick but I have 3 small children ages 10 months to 7 years and I dont want them to get what I had.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Most chickens have campylobacter without harmful symptoms, and it is a common type of food poisoning from eating undercooked chicken, or from handling chicken droppings. I have experienced the symptoms of it a couple of times over the years, mostly when taking care of chicks in brooders with all of the washing of feeders and waterers. Just be very carefull to wash your hands or keep hand sanitizer around your coop for your kids. I now wear gloves when I take care of the coop and feeding, just to help prevent it. It is one of those things that chicken owners have to consider, but I think it is worth having your family exposed to chickens and experiencing them. Some get very upset about this disease, and sometimes over react by getting rid of their flock, but using common sense about not letting children kiss or play with the chickens unattended usually is sufficient. Here is a link to read about the subject: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/22/campylobacter-infection/

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I wouldn't bother. As far as I know, there is no effective treatment.

 

[dawg53]

Here's a link with info about campylobacter: It is zoonotic and sounds like it's a common disease in humans.
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/campylobacter/

 

[ajordan]

What would be causing the 11 week old to be having runny stools. I picked up some corid 20% powder today and was going to put it in their water. Im not to concerned with the campylobacter as im the only one that cleans the poop every morning. The 11 wk old does sneeze from time to time. I just got the 7 week olds yesterday and the other two i got about 4 weeks ago

 

[rides2far]

I had that when I was pregnant & it was bad. I was extremely ill & dehydrated. I had to go to the hospital. It's nothing to take lightly.

 

[ajordan]

I now wear gloves every morning when i clean the coop, feed and water them. My concern is my 11 week old buff. She seems fine eating and drinking just not sure why her poop is so runny

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, coccidia can cause diarrhea or blood in the droppings in a chick that age. They are becoming tolerant to the coccidia in the soil between 11 and 20 weeks of age. Does the chicken have other symptoms of coccidia infection such as lethargy, hunched or puffed up appearance, ruffled feathers, or not eating/drinking well? It wouln't hurt to treat for cocci if you are suspecting it, and the dosage is 2 tsp of liquid Corid, or 1.5 tsp of powder to a gallon of water for 5-7 days as the only water source. Many chickens get diarrhea from drinking a lot of water during hot summer weather. A vet can do a fecal float, and test for coccidia, worms, and do a gram stain for bacteria if your local vet will agree.Make sure to get a fresh sample of both cecal and regular droppings. Valbazen or fenbendazole (SafeGuard goat wormer or equine paste, Panacur) are two very good wormers. Here are some links to read about coccidiosis:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4616
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/poultry/coccidiosis/overview_of_coccidiosis_in_poultry.html

 

[ajordan]

No other symptoms that i can tell. I have heard a sneeze a few times here and there but she is eating and drinking and doesnt look sick other than the poop. In the morning when I clean out their poop box I will try and post a picture. Can any vet do the fecal float.

 

[ajordan]

I have the 20% corid. I think i will add it to the water tomorrow just to be on safe side. 1 tsp is what i add to a gallon correct? Will this hurt the 7 week old pullets?