How long is Cocci Contagious?

[Lilorp14]

I had 3/5 6 week old chicks get Cocci on the 11th of May, I began treatment on the 11th. I didn't separate the 2 healthy ones and they never got sick. I've been treating for 9 days now (I know it's supposed to be only 5 but they were still showing symptoms), and they are all seemingly better. No more bloody poop or lethargy. I was intending on moving them into a grow out coop the weekend I found out they were sick, but I'm wondering if they can be moved out now because I have chicks hatching in a week and need the brooded space. I intend on using this grow out coop for breeding later this year so I don't want infected birds in there. How long after symptoms are gone are they still contagious? TIA!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

How long after symptoms are gone are they still contagious?

Coccidia are in EVERY single chicken poo... and they are ONLY a problem when there is an overgrowth or bloom of them... and they must be sporulated in order to be an active problem. That word sporulated.. most likely in warm, humid conditions similar to that of a brooder.. but some pastures have special weather conditions and such adding to the challenge.

In other words... keep your water poo free and your bedding dry (sometimes looks dryer on the surface than it really is underneath) and not over crowded... and you shouldn't have a problem.

Sometimes a problem happens when chicks are taken out to pasture the first time and exposed to a whole new strain of coccidia and for a long period of time... like the whole day instead of just a couple hours. Bringing in a dirt clump early in the brooder can help prevent this as they get a SMALL amount of exposure to what's in your pasture and their immune systems get to build some resistance before going out full time. Not recommended if your chicks have been vaccinated against Marek's, until the quarantine time has passed for the vaccine to become effective.

It is always good (regarding coccidiosis) to treat everyone in the flock even if they aren't showing symptoms... as ALL things will simply attack the weakest FIRST.. the stronger are just fighting it off better... maybe stronger immune systems... those are the ones to watch out for and select for future breeding purposes!

Move them babes on and get ready for your next hatch!