preventing cocci

[bock]

My 25 chicks are coming from belt hatchery on Thursday (yay!). I am very excited, and I would hate to lose them to cocci. I just bought a 50lb bag of medicated chick starter, but is there anything else I can do to prevent it? I have never had my chicks get it before, but then I only raised a few and I didn't have so many different species and ages of birds. I am raising them in there new coop on pine shavings. My curious hens have been in there a few times though, just to check things out. Also, does bringing them outside at a young age for a few minutes at a time increase or decrease their chances of getting it? Thanks for the help, I am just a worried little chicken mommy.

 

[chicken_crazy93]

Good questions, I'm sure folks will chime in here shortly & I'm subscribing.

 

[Pascal PicklePants]

Starting with a clean brooder helps. Keeping it clean helps. And my philosophy is to slowly and gradually expose them to pathogens while they are on the medicated feed, so their little immune systems can make antibodies. I think the best system for preventing illness is healthy chicks with strong immune systems....IMHO.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I was thinking much the same thing.

Cocci are so much more prevalent in some areas than others. There are lots and lots in some areas of Georgia but I've never had them show signs of illness. Don't get ahead of yourself.

Maybe your county extension agent could reassure you.

 

[geebs]

One word... TUMERIC

 

[bantyshanty]

I agree with geebs & PascalPicklePants .
Clean & Dry will be your best bet for health.
Adding an antibacterial, antiviral food seasoning/herb to their feed can help a lot. Turmeric is used throughout India for kids for similar reason.

Medicated chick starter is not necessary, imho.
Baby vites in a glass eyedropper for the first few days can help them stay strong as well. PolyViSol is a common brand --in the drug store.

I would STRONGLY suggest training them with a Small Pet WATER BOTTLE from day 1. They can use it all their lives, and it stays really clean with minimal cleaning & disinfecting.
This should keep their food & litter from becoming wet.
Always fill your bottle completely when it's been emptied, & put a few folded paper towels under it, just in case it leaks at first.

 

[bock]

Thanks everyone! I will definitely keep their brooder clean and dry. Although, I am not so sure about using a small pet water bottle, because they are going to be free ranging on five acres as adults, and it commonly gets up to 118 F here during summer. I want them to be as hydrated as possible! I have several 1 quart and 1 gallon chick waters that I just need to clean out before they come. I also bought a packet of vitamins and electrolites (sp?) from TSC. It says to mix it in the water of shipped chicks for the first three weeks. Also, I have never heard of Turmeric, is that a spice? Would I be able to get that at the grocery store? Thanks for all the advice everyone!