Yeah, I realize that. It's supposed to help prevent coccidiosis(sp?), isn't it? But, I think I remember (from a poultry conference I attended this past weekend) that the new form of amprolium which can be used in higher concentration in water is handled like any other drug. This makes me suspect it could be having a side effect somewhere, even if it's just in small doses of feed. But, I honestly don't know nearly enough about it to make a firm statement on it!
The hen did well in her bath today. After she was all dry and fluffy I put her back with her roo, and we'll just see! They definitely may also be still adjusting, too. It's only been about a month...though it feels longer!
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Well, basically EVERYTHING (even water) can have side effects. Amprollium mixed in water is not a new form, it is just the form that is used for treatment versus the form used to boost immunity.
Coccidia need thiamine to reproduce. Amprollium is a thiamine blocker. In a prophalactic (preventative) dose, the coccidia can reproduce to a small extent, but not enough to completely overwhelm chicks. Allowing a small amount of coccidia to exist allows the chick to build its own immunity to them. Tests have shown that re-introducing thiamine blocker on a regular interval in adult birds helps keep their immunity high. Note that this is not the same as being completely immune to coccidia; it is that the body can and does fight it, and the chances of a case getting out of hand are lessened.
In a treatment dose, the amprollium prevents all coccidia reproduction. The Merck Veterinary Manual can give you a lot more details. merckvetmanual.com
Whew, all that angst and finally now I wish I had done this weeks earlier! It wasn't as hard as I thought! I just didn't have the right conditions at all! Now I wait for eggs to be laid....
