One chick with coccidia symptoms--do I treat them all?

[MaryZoe]

One of my 4 week old chicks has some loose poops/ a dirty bottom. The only thing I can think of is coccidia. It has been wet and hot down here in SW Florida, and these guys get outside and under their juvy-coop a lot. I want to start this little lady on Corid, but should I treat all the other chicks? All of them act normal--eating and drinking well, no guys looking puffy yet. Thanks for your input.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is usually easier to treat them all for coccidiosis with Corid (amprollium.) It is safe for all, and it won’t hurt them.

 

[MaryZoe]

It is usually easier to treat them all for coccidiosis with Corid (amprollium.) It is safe for all, and it won’t hurt them.

That's what I thought. I have Corid liquid. I'll go ahead and treat them all. My only hesitancy was not wanting to build up resistance in the chicks that are not sick.

 

[Eggcessive]

Corid will not build up a resistance. It is not an antibiotic, but it mimics thiamine (vitamin B 1,) and if any other get sick, it will help to have them all on a 5 day treatment. Dosage is 2 tsp of Corid per gallon of water for 5 days. Make sure they are drinking well.

Many give Corid routinely to chicks every so often until they are several months old, as they are building up a tolerance for coccidia in the soil and poop. Especially if there has been a previous outbreak, it can be helpful.

 

[MaryZoe]

Corid will not build up a resistance. It is not an antibiotic, but it mimics thiamine (vitamin B 1,) and if any other get sick, it will help to have them all on a 5 day treatment. Dosage is 2 tsp of Corid per gallon of water for 5 days. Make sure they are drinking well.

Many give Corid routinely to chicks every so often until they are several months old, as they are building up a tolerance for coccidia in the soil and poop. Especially if there has been a previous outbreak, it can be helpful.

Thanks so much for this response, I know that Corid is not an antibiotic, but I have read that people suspect a potential resistance in their chicks. I will go ahead and treat them all with the 2 teaspoon x gallon for 5 days and hope for the best. I also added a super thick layer of pine shavings to their little run, so they should be somewhat protected. Thanks again!

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, some strains of the most serious coccidia can become resistant to amprollium (Corid.) Sulfa drugs (sulfadimethoxine, Albon, SMZ-TMP, bactrim, sulfatrim) can be used in those cases, but it usually has to come from a vet unless you can locate some online without a prescription.

 

[MaryZoe]

Yes, some strains of the most serious coccidia can become resistant to amprollium (Corid.) Sulfa drugs (sulfadimethoxine, Albon, SMZ-TMP, bactrim, sulfatrim) can be used in those cases, but it usually has to come from a vet unless you can locate some online without a prescription.

Thanks. I cleaned and disinfected the chicks' cage thoroughly, replaced all the pine flakes with a thick layer under their cage, and treated with Corid. Fingers crossed that we're all set. I am not even 100% sure it was coccidia that caused the poopy butt on my little Araucana chick, but she's lovely and double-tufted, so I want to be sure I keep her healthy.

 

[WhiteWyan]

Please post chick pics!!!

 

[MaryZoe]

Don’t laugh at how many of these little fellas

are cockerels...cock-a-doodle-sigh!!! But they sure are cute!

 

[Eggcessive]

Did you hatch them or buy straight run chicks? Hopefully some are pullets, LOL.