Possible Cocci - how to treat 2 different age flocks?

[cjdevoe]

Hi all,

This is my first post. We have only been raising chicks for 5 weeks now. Unfortunately, we lost one a couple of days ago. She was fluffed up, not eating or drinking, and then she became too weak to stand/walk. We had just recently moved her and 3 others to their outdoor run a few days earlier, so she definitely picked up something outside. Based on her age and symptoms, we assumed coccidiosis and started treating her with Sulmet right at the end. But it was too late, and she didn't make it.

The other 3 chicks of the same age aren't showing any symptoms right now, but we are still treating with Sulmet. I hate to give unnecessary meds, but it was so hard to lose one that we don't want to go through it again.

What I am more concerned about is a younger batch of chicks that are still in the house right now. They are only a week old and have not ventured outside yet. We are treating them with the Sulmet too, since we might have brought the coccidiosis in on our clothes, hands, etc. They have a few days of treatment left, and then what? When they go outside, they won't have any immunity, so will we need to treat them again? Should I switch to medicated feed for them, and if so, will that help them when they get outside with the older flock? Is the Sulmet too strong of a drug for these little ones - should I discontinue now that the affected chick is gone? It's all so overwhelming...

Thanks in advance!

Charity

 

[FlyHigher]

How does the poop look like? Blood? If so, then it's Cocci, most likely.
AFAIK, the best med for Cocci will be Toltrazuil. I have saved lots of my chickens from Cocci with it.

 

[winekntrychicks]

Stop the sulmet now. The chicks in the house dont need it.

 

[cjdevoe]

My understanding is that by handling the 2 different groups of chicks we could spread it. Winkntrychicks, can you elaborate on why you would stop the sulmet for the little ones?

 

[cjdevoe]

No blood in poop, but I guess that doesn't rule out cocci. It was something intestinal for sure, because poop was runny and bubbly. Yuck.

 

[FlyHigher]

No blood in poop, but I guess that doesn't rule out cocci. It was something intestinal for sure, because poop was runny and bubbly. Yuck.

Does the poop contain something white? Are there any neurological or respiratory symptoms? Can you list all the symptoms, if possible?

 

[winekntrychicks]

Stop the sulmet now. The chicks in the house dont need it.

You need to switch the chicks in the house to purina medicated start and grow. As soon as they get most of their feathers I put mine outside gradually; say 20 min a day to start. The medicated chick starter contains Amprolium which blocks the vit. K that the cocci live on. By blocking the Vit. K the cocci begin to die. This allows the chicks to gradually build up immunity to cocci which btw are more that one strain. It's everywhere you can't keep them from getting it. But you can help them to build immunity to the cocci. Once they get one type and develope immunity they can get another type. The key is to let them become exposed to it but have them on the Medicated start and grow so its gradual. I also have on hand Corrid which Liquid form of amprolium but label says its for calves. I called the phone number on the corrid label and told them exactly what I was using it for and the chemist helped me figure out the dosing. I put a little in their drinking water if their poo becomes too bloody. I have become quite the poo-ologist along the way. You will know by the poo how they are feeling. The also sit on their haunches (? do they have haunches?) and necks are tucked way down into wing bends (sholders?) feather are puffed out and they look sleepy when they are real sick. I have brought pullets back from the brink of death using this stuff. When I first began chicken keeping my two of my girls were so sick I had to buy powder Tylan (antibiotic) to give as well because they developed enteritis. I would switch the babes outside to Corrid as well. Corrid and Tylan can be found at larger farm supplies. I have a chicken first aid kit that I have acquired so I have things on hand when I need them. Hope this helps. Best thing to do is put them all of the medicated start and grow and get them outside in the dirt as soon as you can and just survey the poo from time to time. I have heard of people putting a big dose of Mama hen poo in chicks water so they build immunity from that. THAT was were I drew the line. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[winekntrychicks]

My understanding is that by handling the 2 different groups of chicks we could spread it. Winkntrychicks, can you elaborate on why you would stop the sulmet for the little ones?

Cocci is everywhere. Wild birds bring it. I laugh when I hear people say they scrub and bleach and burn things. They are getting rid of beneficial stuff too. I mix flocks all the time. Over the last 6 years of my chicken keeping I have come to realize that the more "sterile" I try to keep their environment the more they have issues. the sooner I get them outside and behaving like chickens they healthier they are. BUT.... I always start them off the first 2-3 months with medicated start and grow and get their fuzzy butts in the dirt to play as soon as I can....

 

[cjdevoe]

Does the poop contain something white? Are there any neurological or respiratory symptoms?  Can you list all the symptoms, if possible?

No respiratory symptoms. Yes, white stuff in poop. She was very sleepy, not eating, head tucked in and feathers fluffed up. Not eating or drinking, except from medicine dropper.

 

[cjdevoe]

​

Winekntry - thanks for your thoughts. I realize exposure to cocci is unavoidable, and that is why I am most concerned with the younger chicks who haven't been outside yet. I guess I will stop the sulmet and get them on the medicated feed. Why do you recommend corrid instead of sulmet?