not sure whats up......loose poop....

[crazypoultrychx]

I have a few chickens that have redish loose stool.....any idea what I can do and what is wrong>>?? I am at a loss....

 

[Eggcessive]

Coccidiosis may be a possibility if it is bloody. Symptoms are lethargy, puffing up, poor appetite, and diarrhea, sometimes with blood. Treatment is Corid (amprollium) for 5-7 days. Dose is 1 tsp powder or 2 tsp liquid.

 

[crazypoultrychx]

they are not lethargic...........they are eating good.......free range......no blood in the poop just loosed and reddish......like baby poop......

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Could it be something they ate? Have they been into berries or anything that would produce a reddish loose stool?

 

[crazypoultrychx]

there arent any berries around here that I know of.......I was thinking about going to get them some yogurt today......and giving them some extras grits and bread see if I can stop it that way.....like I sd....I am just at a loss......

 

[casportpony]

Cat food will also cause a color change, but if you do decide to treat for coccidiosis, the dose is as follows:

The severe outbreak dose (.024%) for Corid Powder is 1.5 teaspoons
The severe outbreak dose (.024%) for Corid liquid is 2 teaspoon.

The moderate outbreak dose (.012%) for Corid Powder is 3/4 teaspoon.
The moderate outbreak dose (.012%) for Corid liquid is 1 teaspoon.

The 006% for Corid Powder is 1/3 teaspoon.
The 006% for Corid liquid is 1/2 teaspoon.

FDA recommendations:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/animaldrugsatfda/details.cfm?dn=013-149
"Chickens
Indications: For the treatment of coccidiosis.
Amount: Administer at the 0.012 percent level in drinking water as soon as coccidiosis is diagnosed and continue for 3 to 5 days (in severe outbreaks, give amprolium at the 0.024 percent level); continue with 0.006 percent amprolium-medicated water for an additional 1 to 2 weeks."

And this link has these instructions:
http://www.drugs.com/vet/amprol-9-6-solution-can.html
"Poultry - as Soon As Caecal Coccidiosis Is Diagnosed, Give 0.024% Amprolium In The Drinking Water For 5 To 7 Days. Continue The Treatment With 0.006% Amprolium Medicated Water For An Additional One To Two Weeks. No Other Source Of Drinking Water Should Be Available To The Birds During This Time."

Bottom line, 1 teaspoon (540mg) of powder is equal to 5.625ml of liquid and 1/2 teaspoon powder (270mg) is equal to 2.8125ml liquid.

1/2 teaspoon of 20% powder = 2.8125ml of 9.6% liquid - Both have 270mg of amprolium.
3/4 teaspoon of 20% powder = 4.21875ml of 9.6% liquid - Both have 405mg of amprolium.
1 teaspoon of 20% powder = 5.625ml of 9.6% liquid - Both have 540mg of amprolium.
1.5 teaspoons of 20% powder =8.4375ml of 9.6% liquid - Both have 810mg of amprolium.
1.75 teaspoons of 20% powder = 9.84375ml of 9.6% liquid - Both have 945mg of amprolium.
2 teaspoons of 20% powder = 11.25ml of 9.6% liquid - Both have 1080mg of amprolium.

More Corid info here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/818879/updated-corid-and-amprol-amprolium-dosing

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

If you're worried, feed them nothing but lay crumble and the color should return to normal in less than 24 hours.

-Kathy

 

[crazypoultrychx]

is there a way I can test them for coccidiosis......cause it could be the cat food......and I would hate to treat them as they are our laying hens.....and I would hate to loose the eggs....if I do treat them I guess I cant eat the eggs for 30 days correct???

 

[Eggcessive]

If you use Corid there is no egg withdrawal--you can eat the eggs. If your chickens aren't showing any of the symptoms, are eating/drinking fine, they are probably okay. Just stop feeding anything but chicken feed as Casportpony said--then see if their stools are still red. Many cat foods use dye that will affect stools. Your vet can test a collective stool sample for coccidiosis--many chickens will have some coccidia in their stools normally though. You also might consider worming them with Valbazen or Safeguard liquid wormer.

 

[crazypoultrychx]

if I worm them I cant consume the eggs for 30 days after correct???