Newbie just lost our first chick

[wizardmt70]

I'll try to keep this short. Our 5 year old daughter just joined 4H a couple weeks ago and was given the opportunity to get some chicks. We ended up with 3 week old speckled sussex chicks. They did really well the first three days but then on Saturday night I noticed what looked like blood in one of the chicks stool. The chick also seemed to be lethargic. We immediately begin some research and determined that we were dealing with Coccidiosis. We went to the local feed store on Sunday and bought some Corid and immediately began treatment (1tsp per gallon of water).
The chicken that I suspected had the bloody droppings began to perk back up late Sunday and we believed we had avoided disaster. Then on Monday afternoon we came home to find another chick, not the one that had displayed the symptoms, dead in the brooder. My 5 year old was heartbroken and I'm hoping we don't lose anymore.

We've never raised chicks before so we are only going by what we can google and learn from the locals at feed store and some friends. Does this sound like Coccidiosis or is it possible that the other chick died from something else. This chick that died never displayed any symptoms that we are aware. I'm using a large storage container as a brooder and we bought an Ecoglow for heat. The chicks are 2 weeks old today and I have the Ecoglow on the second level. Is this too high? Should I continue to treat for Coccidiosis? Looking for advice for a Newbie.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome1 So sorry for your loss, and hope more issues don't develop. You can have fecal samples checked at your veterinarian's to look for coccidia. There could be other issues going on, and if any more die or get sick, consider having a necropsy done, preferably at your state lab, or a vet experienced with poultry. Were the chicks directly from a NPIP or better tested hatchery? Especially with a small child involved, you might want to know. Mary

 

[wizardmt70]

Welcome1 So sorry for your loss, and hope more issues don't develop. You can have fecal samples checked at your veterinarian's to look for coccidia. There could be other issues going on, and if any more die or get sick, consider having a necropsy done, preferably at your state lab, or a vet experienced with poultry. Were the chicks directly from a NPIP or better tested hatchery? Especially with a small child involved, you might want to know. Mary

Thanks. The remaining two chicks continue to grow and seem to be doing fine. I even created a little roost for them in the brooder because they were jumping on top of the feeder.

These chicks came from a certified hatchery in Iowa. All 4H clubs use this same hatchery.

 

[MyTMo]

Hi
When I started my chicken adventure last year I researched as much as I could to find helpful info. Along with this very helpful site I found great info from Fresh Eggs Daily. Take a look at her site if you like. She has great natural ways to raise chickens. I am sorry for the loss of one of your hens, it's the hard part of owning his sweet birds
Good luck!