Help, my new Choclate Orpingtons are infested with lice/mites and I have already lost one. Its Only

[JodiLynn]

I am heartbroken. My mom won 2 Chocolate Orp. Bantams on a rare breed website. I drove 2 hours so they wouldn't have to be shipped. They seemed fine maybe a little stressed. I got them home and quarantined them away from my own flock. This morning my chocolate roo was fluffed up and wouldn't move much. I have a hen as well along with 2 others that we won as well. As soon as I noticed an issue, I separated and treated with antibiotics in the water. 6 hours later and he was worse so I took him out and upon inspection he has either lice or mites (not sure which as I have never had this issue with my own flock). I ran to the feed store to get something for the mites/lice and when I got back he was dead. I have had them less than 2 hours. I bought lice duster thing for them from the store and wormer. I dusted the remaining 3 and their cage. I have been careful to change my cloths before tending to my own flock. Is there anything else I can do? I did not see their living condition but they came from a NPIP/AI clean reputable farm. I thought I did everything to ensure healthy birds. I emailed the breeder but have seen no response. Is there anything else I can do for the others? Is it possible that he died from the motes/lice. They are only 8 weeks old. Thanks for any help that anyone can give me on this.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Only in really bad infestations will chickens die from lice or mites. But it has happened. Unfortunately I don't know if this was the cause. I wrote an article on mites and lice and its in my signature if that might help with anything.

I'm so sorry for you loss and what you've been through.

 

[JodiLynn]

Thanks for the reply. This little guy did have bloody poop this morning when I separated him. I am sure it was Cocci. The breeder responded and said this wasn't contagious and only affected chickens under 12 weeks? Can anyone verify this, I did get 3 others from him that I want to keep. I do not want to endanger my existing flock if it is something to worry about. Any advice on this?

 

[flgardengirl]

It can affect chicks that are older if they are not immune and have not been on the ground and/or have kept strictly in a brooder. The other thing is that there are several different forms of cocci and if they are immune to one kind they aren't necessarily immune to all the other forms. It is usually normally present in dirt. So the dirt/parasites at the breeders house is different than the dirt/parasites at your house.
It is very contagious. If you have chicks with bloody poop I would get them on Corid asap. It gets rid of all the cocci types. Sulmet doesn't.

 

[JodiLynn]

It can affect chicks that are older if they are not immune and have not been on the ground and/or have kept strictly in a brooder. The other thing is that there are several different forms of cocci and if they are immune to one kind they aren't necessarily immune to all the other forms. It is usually normally present in dirt. So the dirt/parasites at the breeders house is different than the dirt/parasites at your house.
It is very contagious. If you have chicks with bloody poop I would get them on Corid asap. It gets rid of all the cocci types. Sulmet doesn't.

Where can I buy Corid?

 

[JodiLynn]

Where can I buy Corid?

I am calling TSC now to see if they have it in stock. These birds were Christmas presents and I do not want to loose anymore of them.

 

[flgardengirl]

I usually get it at TSC so they should prob have it.

 

[JodiLynn]

I bought Corid and put it in their water and used an eyedropper to ensure the other chocolate orp, which seems slightly fluffed up, got some right away. Is 4 days long enough or ?

 

[willowbranchfarm]

5-7 days is good.

 

[JodiLynn]

Ok 5-7 days it is. The pullet seems better this morning, fingers crossed she is tough and pulls through. I do not see any blood in poop for the 3 that are left.