I'm sorry to hear about your poor chicks
. Fortunately you are handling this exactly as you should, as that is most definitely the classic signs of Cocci.
Cocci are little microscopic parasitic organisms that are found in soil (especially high quantities in soil birds come into contact with). They are a normal inhabitant of the chicken gut, however they ARE parasites. Baby chickens do NOT have a natural immunity to them, and have to build it up themselves. If the Cocci overwhelms their developing immune systems, you start seeing dying chicks
.
This is why I am a major advocate of medicated feed. Lots of people shun it because they want to be organic, but I view it to be essential. Medicated chick feed most commonly contains Amprolium, which is a medicine that specifically targets and slows down the reproduction of the parasite. Please note it does NOT get rid of it completely. This allows the baby to develop a natural immunity.
I usually feed my chicks medicated all throughout brooding, then for about a week to two weeks after they go outside. After that, thier immune systems should be in full gear, and they can eat normal developer. By the time they start laying a couple months later, there is no Amprolium in their system at all, and thus the eggs are 100% safe to eat.
I hope that makes sense. Don't worry, you're not the only person who this has happened to, and it's not a sign of neglect or anything. You clearly love and care for your babies.
Cocci are little microscopic parasitic organisms that are found in soil (especially high quantities in soil birds come into contact with). They are a normal inhabitant of the chicken gut, however they ARE parasites. Baby chickens do NOT have a natural immunity to them, and have to build it up themselves. If the Cocci overwhelms their developing immune systems, you start seeing dying chicks
This is why I am a major advocate of medicated feed. Lots of people shun it because they want to be organic, but I view it to be essential. Medicated chick feed most commonly contains Amprolium, which is a medicine that specifically targets and slows down the reproduction of the parasite. Please note it does NOT get rid of it completely. This allows the baby to develop a natural immunity.
I usually feed my chicks medicated all throughout brooding, then for about a week to two weeks after they go outside. After that, thier immune systems should be in full gear, and they can eat normal developer. By the time they start laying a couple months later, there is no Amprolium in their system at all, and thus the eggs are 100% safe to eat.
I hope that makes sense. Don't worry, you're not the only person who this has happened to, and it's not a sign of neglect or anything. You clearly love and care for your babies.
