If anyone is online I need your help ASAP

[cafarmgirl]

Hi mithious,

It will not hurt to hold off on cleaning the coop another day. As long as they are drinking the Corid water they should start improving, it works fast. You also probably do not need to do a repeat course of Corid. I would only consider doing so if many chicks were kept in crowded, unclean environment, again, I doubt that is your situation. They also develop immunity to the cocci strains that are in their environment so I think you'll be fine with just the one course of treatment. Oh and those chicks that aren't drinking, use a little syringe, no needle and carefully dribble the water in their beaks, few drops at a time. I do this every couple hours until they perk up and start drinking on their own which doesn't usually take long.

You can try the straw, I personally don't care for it. I find shavings much easier to keep clean. I don't like the way the straw gets all plastered with poop and gets wet. Shavings tend to stay drier in my experience. Straw also has all those little hollow tubes that are wonderful hiding places for critters like mites. But if you have it give it a try and see what you think. We all have our personal preferences.

 

[Haunted55]

Back...changed out their water and also found ONE of the girls with the worse runny poos cause I just got covered, grabbed her to dunk beak, as she is one of them that is looking worse than the others and whoosh...cleaned up now.

Read your post, huge thanks, I will keep them on just the corid...wow more $$$ than here? Sorry!!! Haven't read the link yet, that is next. They are eating better, even the girl I dipped beak and got covered...talked with the older gentleman and he says the same as you also...they ONLY sell the medicated crumble starter, and I explained to him what's going on, and he said I should think about putting them back on the medicated, after two full does of the corid, and do the 7 days, then wait 2 weeks then another 7 days, then back to the medicated. Does that sound right to you? Some of the birds are not hunched tonight, that were this morning and they are drinking well, all but 3, and eating well, all but 3, the 3 worst, are eating and drinking, but for one, that I am unsure of...thus the dipping beaks on the 3 that seem the worse.
Yes. I would do the same thing.

Feed store man says sounds like cocci too...could've been brewing and stress brought it out full blown. Does that sound right? Just double checking my feed store guy...priced organic while I was there, $23.00 for 50 lb bag. I didn't think that was that bad compared to what others have said on here. Feed store guys said he sells more "stuff" medications, ect to people with hatchery chicks than the breeders chicks, the heritage breeds...what do you think about that?
First, if you can get the Blue Seal, get the medicated after you finish all of the dosing. I'm using it myself and haven't seen any reason to make me think there is something going on with their grains right now. You and I are getting the stuff from the same place. I would use the stuff for any chicks, period. To my mind, organic isn't necessarily better. Just my opinion. Now for them to sell more "stuff" medications...not sure what you mean by that. If he was saying that some hatchery birds are deficient? Oh yeah, I'll agree with some of that, but not all hatcheries are. I've seen and read about these so called Heritage Breeders having issues in their flocks and chicks as well. It all comes down to how much knowledge the breeder has and how much care they are giving to their birds. Breeders need to have fresh stock added to their flocks every now and then. You can't expect a single pair of birds or those birds breeding with their offspring over and over again, to produce top quality birds. Ain't gonna happen.

Seems I have a ways to go before I see too much of an improvement, but think I am seeing a bit in some that maybe didn't have it as bad? I bought some straw. What do you think of putting down some straw, over the current shavings, for now, and cleaning the whole coop out, once the runny poo's slow down or stop? That way, they aren't on the contaminated poo's. The manager actually listened and didn't do a thing till I got back. I think he got it. Too bad it took the chicks getting sick to sink in...anyways, the run is being worked on more, right now, and "should" be done, by tomorrow. Would holding off cleaning the shavings out till tomorrow hurt or hamper their recovery? It's not as bad as the other day, and if I put straw on top, to help with moisture control, would that get me buy, till I can let them out and use the ammonia and totally clean all bedding out and replace with new?
Rule of thumb is this, as long as they are being treated with the Corid, it is a good idea to at least top dress the shavings in there and take out any really bad areas. After you are done with the treatments, then you go in and do the really big cleaning. Clean it now but worry about the deep clean after the second dosing. I usually wait for a day or two after the final dose, then I do a deep clean. Everything that can be moved out is taken out and a powerwasher is then used inside. Bleach and hot water in a sprayer, let soak, then another rinse with the powerwasher. Either way, cleaning every few days or doing a deep clean at the end, is up to you.

I will be changing the water, as needed, even if I have to go buy more meds...No signs of a secondary infection, yet...but do have antibiotic on hand, so glad to know I can, if needed, treat with both...HUGE thanks for all the info. I need to eat something, haven't had time and can't remember when I last ate...if I get sick, it won't help them...just, before I get something easy and quick to eat...should I put the straw down? I got one bale, should be enough to do two coverings. What I am seeing is as they dig up the shavings, they are bringing up the old poo's, that I am covering with a topping of shavings, thinking the straw might keep it under it for a day till I can do a through cleaning??? Would that help?
If you have a bale of chopped straw, it may help, but if it isn't chopped I haven't found hay or straw to make a real difference with how much poo is flung around. Make sure the waterer is hung level with the smallest's back. That help a lot.

Thanks so much!! Yeah when they dig the shavings, they go flying and the poo with it, into the water...so will change it like I was, atleast 3 times a day.

 

[mithious]

Haunted55, grrr I just had a whole post written and poof, it's gone, I really gotta eat, hope you don't mind but will answer after, I am starving, the birds even the girls I dipped beaks are starting to eat and drink, nto as much as the others but they are doing it on their own....I did put the straw, as a temp thing, down and can see what you mean, but after freaking they do love it and it will also keep them warmer tonight. bought more shavings too. So if the run is really done tomorrow, I will clean that all out and put the shaving in...this was just a stop gap, to get me through the day, hopefully...I really gotta eat though...or I'm gonna end up sick, can't remember when I last did. Oh, I think I put a bit more of the meds, not quite a tsp, but more than I should've, was hurrying..will get back to you after getting food in me...thank you soo much for taking me by the hand and walking me through this, especially with all you are going thorugh yourself!!!!

We haven't turned a corner, but I think it's coming...be back in a bit...my head is spinning from all the past couple days. Huge thank you and be back shortly!

 

[mithious]

Apparently I don't know how to post, was trying to do what you did, to respond/answer you. Oh well, sorry it took so long, I didn't think, ate and got a horrible tummy ache and was in the bathroom...should've started with something a bit easier. Off da!!!

I did put the straw down, before I came back in and read your post. The manager didn't get the run done, but will be back on Thursday, so the straw, and what I kept to add to it, will just be till then. I will go back to the shavings after doing the deep clean, will add straw and shavings as needed till then. Once the run is FINALLY finished, I will let them out early and do a deep cleaning. I have read that ammonia is better for cocci and kills the parasite better? Not sure if that is true, but have read it here, on other places that are for cocci....????

I'll be working on putting the wire on the outside frames of the run, this week, then we will assemble all at once. Posts have already been set in concrete, so should go fast but not till this Thursday. He has to go back to Boston for that project, until then.

I checked the chicks and all are settled into the straw nest I made, where they have been sleeping and should be much warmer, with sides all around like a real nest but big enough for them...I think we are past the "someone might die" stage though. All the birds, after dipping beaks, were drinking on their own and even ate some. There crops were partially full. That's a great sign, right?

After they got over freaking out over me putting the straw in their coop, they LOVED it. I stayed to see if they were going to eat it, one did and my top cockerel ran right over and literally drug it right out of her mouth, about 4 inches? Didn't see that coming, and he wouldn't let any of the other hens, after that, eat any. So all is good on that end. Was GREAT to see a lot of them scarfing down on their feed again!!!

I think what the feed guy was saying, they had some losses, not sure how long ago, but said they changed hatcheries this year, so maybe last year? that were way beyond acceptable and the owners were dealing with all kinds of problems, so basically he was saying be careful of the hatchery you use? I think? He's an old timer, so they talk a bit different, but I think that is what he was trying to get across to me??? Just like you were saying basically. My Daddy was like that, didn't talk much but said volumes with few words and it was up to us to figure out what he meant lol.

Thank you again, Haunted55, for all you have done...for walking me through this...for being there every step. This is my first time with any kind of health problem with chickens, other than injuries or predator problems. We didn't keep eggs the momma chicken threw out of the nest, nor the baby chicks, they were culled, so never dealt with any of this back then. My Daddy always told us, the Momma knows best, and we accepted that then. It was natural selection and a part of nature then.

I'm gonna do like I did last night, and go get their water container and put out fresh treated water for the morning and let them be a bit longer, as they did drink quite a bit this morning and if I go in too early, they will want to be all over me, instead of drinking, although tonight they weren't as cuddly. I figure they are feeling a bit better and didn't need that reassurance from "momma" so again, another good thing, although they were still all over me, just not cuddling 4 at a time in my arms. They feel warmer too, even their legs and feet. Still have a few with that hunch back, but tails are rising and some back up totally and no ruffled feathers as of last check before dark!!!! I got runny pooed on twice though lol.

Will follow your suggestions and they will go back on medicated feed once the meds are done. I agree, I should not have stopped so soon. Not till their feet are on the ground is my new motto and for a while too

I'm sure I'm not addressing all the issues and things you suggested, just know, I will be going back to your post to check and make sure I am following your protocol quite a bit!!!! Your words are very valuable to me, as are you!!!

HUGE thank you again, you are one strong woman, after all you have and are going through...I am blessed to have you helping me and in my life my friend! I have learned tons!!!! Maybe, someone, as you said I think about another issue, will read this and learn also? I hope and pray. You saved my flock and kept my head on straight.

By the way, I am still working on reading your thread, Not and emergency, Marek's in the flock, and learning tons about all kinds of things and diseases, not just Marek's. Thank you for sharing your journey and sorrow so that others could learn!!! I am puttering my way through it, it's a long thread, so am reading some every day, well not the past few, but up until and will get back to it soon!!! You Rock Sista!!!!

 

[Haunted55]

You saved your flock girl...all I did was offer suggestions as did others. I've read that the ammonia works the best on the cocci as well. In my situation though, I don't think it would handle all of the things I am trying to clean for so I stick with the bleach or the Oxine.

I am very glad to hear they are doing better! That's great news all around.

 

[mithious]

You saved your flock girl...all I did was offer suggestions as did others. I've read that the ammonia works the best on the cocci as well. In my situation though, I don't think it would handle all of the things I am trying to clean for so I stick with the bleach or the Oxine.

I am very glad to hear they are doing better! That's great news all around.

Thanks Haunted55

Morning update, their poo looks 95% better!!!! I scoured the coop, looking for poo in the straw, kinda hard, but all I saw was nice and firm and no loose stools at all...AND, the water was clean, as they can't chuck the straw up as easily as the shavings, so didn't find ANY poo in their treated water!!! They also were MUCH warmer this morning, be it the straw, them feeling better, or both, I don't know. But I think we have turned the corner and are on the mend!!!! Whoop, Whoop, Whoop!!!!!

I gotta say though. This will be my first and last hatchery lot of chicks. Next year, I am on two waiting lists for the Plymouth Barred Rocks, and Dominiques, both from reputable breeders here on BYC. I will NOT be propagating these hatchery chicks either. I'm just not that thrilled with the overall of them...and they will be fazed out over time, as I am raising chickens for livestock, although they do wiggle their way into my heart

It was a good learning curve for me though! ( I never stop learning ) But I think I will be much happier with the breeder bred chickens!!! There is MUCH to be said for doing things the natural way or "old way" also, the way we used to and that is and has been my intention from the start. Had never tried the hatchery chicks, and being that I was just getting back into chickens after being away from them for a long time, thought that might be a good place to start. I really feel I will be happier working with the way we used to raise chickens, as that is what I know best! Do I think that will keep me from having problems in the future? Nope! I do think, with the chicks I will be getting, the Dom's for their broodiness ( and to help keep the breed going ) and the BR's because I love the breed, and letting Momma chicken raise their young, is more my thing

though. It's a personal decision and we all have to do what we feel is right for us and makes us happy. I LOVE the heritage breeds, love breeding them!!! I already have my notebooks ready for next year lol. I'm gonna order the leg bands this winter and we are going to be going on with the building projects, for this next lot, so everything is ready BEFORE they get here, all 16 of them! I am picking up the 6 Dom's, right here in NH, the other 10 are coming from the mid west? Jwhip's Plymouth Barrred Rocks, so will have to be shipped. That will be the last time I will brood chicks myself, instead of Momma chicken lol.

Sooo glad the chicks are on the mend now! Their run WILL be done this week, as everything is now bought and here, so I can work away at some of it, till Thursday comes!

I can't wait to see them on the ground, being chickens!!! Sure wish I had been able to convince the guys of what was needed better, but there also, was a learning curve and they too, have learned much!!!

Especially, don't mess with the really really BIG Momma chicken

 

[mithious]

Wow, the difference in vigor, from yesterday to today, even this morning to this afternoon, is HUGE!!!! Soooo glad I watch my birds and know their behavior, their eating and drinking habits, their looks, ect. Plus all the reading I was doing prior to them getting sick!!! It sure paid off!!! I don't think I could have caught this as early as I did, ( and had no deaths from it ) had I not known my birds and been doing my research on BYC!!!

They are running around, flying around, I heard one picking on another when watering my plants, been a few days for that. Had to holler at them and they stopped LOl. They look GREAT too!!! Eating like pigs again and drinking tons!!! I found ONE poo that was not runny but not quite back to solid...the only one though...and it's almost there!

There is literally tons of information on this forum about EVERYTHING and it is there for all to read!!!

THANK YOU ALL!!!! If you had not taken the time to post your experiences, the signs of illness, ect and I had failed to read it, I believe I would've had to lose a bird, before I sought help!

I am soooo glad I found this forum and all of you are sooo kind and willing to help and share. I think we all should be reading your posts more, doing more research into these diseases, parasites, and methods of averting them. I think a lot of birds would be saved if we took some time and did a little reading each day! I sure learned a ton of info and some of it saved my flock from death.

Thank you all again and I will continue to research and learn from what all you guys and gals have written. Thanks for the help also, when I had questions beyond what I had learned so far!!! I am still reading!!! There is so much info, I doubt I could ever finish it lol but won't let that stop me...there is always room to learn more!!!!

I love BYC and the people here

 

[Eggsitter]

Oh my, I cant read thru all the updates but hope all is well by now.
If not, please get some apple cider vinegar in their water (splash) maybe some liquid b12. The bloody stools I think could be stomach lining shedding if Scary Tar Paper Man kept them from eating all day. Normal.
Hope they are all ok & settled down.

 

[mithious]

Oh my, I cant read thru all the updates but hope all is well by now.
If not, please get some apple cider vinegar in their water (splash) maybe some liquid b12. The bloody stools I think could be stomach lining shedding if Scary Tar Paper Man kept them from eating all day. Normal.
Hope they are all ok & settled down.

It's cocci, but thanks for the suggestions! I started corrid yesterday and they are doing GREAT this afternoon! Thanks again!!! Scary Tar Paper Man got them stressed, seems an over load of cocci bloomed, but have it under control now. Very grateful for the info on BYC, or I would not have known what it was and treated it so quickly!!!! Many people have helped so much!!!!