flock dying, chicks first, NO SYMPTOMS, anyone?????

[michinrepose]

Looking to see if anyone has encountered this and can shed some light on it for me. Have spring chicks, varying ages, kept in large cages for the time being as we resolve raccoon problem. First chick, (smallest), died just over a week ago, then another, now I'm looking at the next smallest and I think I"m seeing some slightly puffed up feathers. That's the ONLY symptom of this, slightly puffed feathers and less activitiy (they still feed right up until the time they succumb to whatever it is that's killing them. This morning I discovered something truly disheartening, one of my full grown hens didn't come out of her coop, she's alive but completely lethargic, she's dying. What is this? I can't even begin to separate them as I don't know where it's coming from and it would be impossible to set them each up in their own enclosure (have seven hens that still appear healthy, and about sixteen chicks). If this has happened to anyone please tell me whatever it is you might have learned, thanks so much, Michele

 

[graciesmum]

Could be coccidosis, my chick I lost just seemed a bit puffed up, no real symptoms was eating and drinking, woke up in the morning and she had died

 

[michinrepose]

thanks for replying, I just looked it up and you may well be right, in which case all I can do is let it run its course and pray that most will overcome this parasite. I'll be praying for your flock as well.

 

[Eggcessive]

You need to go to a feed store and buy Corid (amprollium) in the cattle section of meds and start them on it right away--all of them. Powder or liquid it doesn't matter. Dose is 1/2 teaspoonful powder to 1 gallon water, liquid dose is 2 teaspoonsful per gallon water. Treat for 5-7 days especially if more become sick. It won't hurt them in any way, but you may save their lives. Also, change the water mix every day--this should be their only water source. Get them outside onto the ground, clean the cages. Make sure everything is dry.

 

[henney penny]

If you think this is what it is use corid 9.5cc per gallon of water for 5 days. I had to order it as I could not find it where I live,Wish you lived near me I would give you mine,I had to order a big bottle and will never use it all

 

[ten chicks]

thanks for replying, I just looked it up and you may well be right, in which case all I can do is let it run its course and pray that most will overcome this parasite. I'll be praying for your flock as well.

Coccidiosis is treatable,but if left untreated,you could have quite a few chickens die. Cocci is a parasitic infection of the intestinal tract,spread by droppings which get into feed/water via droppings. Most birds have some coccidiosis in their sml intestines,only a problem when they have an overload,this is very common,medicate to bring it back under control. Purchase Corid(amprolium)dosage for Corid 20% powder is 1/2 tsp per gallon of water,dosage for Corid 9.6% liquid is 2 tsp per gallon of water. Treat ALL chickens for 5 days,do not give vitamins during treatment(interferes with medication)give vitamins after. Make sure medicated water,is the only water they have to drink.

 

[graciesmum]

I treated all my flock, and all have been given the all clear, that was about 4 weeks ago, you need to treat or you will loose your babies and possibly your adults