Six week old chick pooping blood

[loopy12]

One of my six week old chicks has started pooping blood today.
First poop was pink and frothy. Its done two more since which were more like a lump of dark red mixed in with a normal poop. In between those its been doing normal poops.

She is a barred rock and is feathering out slightly slower than the other two barred rocks I have ( though all three are feathering out much much slower than their buff orpington hatchmates).

Otherwise she seems fine - bright eyed, running about and eating and drinking fine.

All the others are fine too.

Their bedding is dry and freshened every few days.

Could it be coccoidosis? We are living in Italy right now, I have no idea what they would call the coccoidosis medicine here - certainly can't get it off the shelf at a store, would need to be from a vet I think). Could it be worms or something ivermectin would treat (I have some of that). Thoughts?

Edited to add: just translated the ingredients list on my chick feed bag - it is medicated feed "mangiare completo per pollaio con coccidiostatici" so has anti-coccidiosis medication in it. They have all been on this since day 1 (home hatched). Could it still have it if its been on medicated chick starter?

 

[DaddyBird]

The medicated feed has weakened Cocci strains in it. I wouldn't worry too much unless the bird starts to get lethargic, falling asleep standing at the feeder etc. Since you have been feeding it since day one,it is probably fine. If you do want to treat, you don't need a vet to get the medicine (in the US anyway). It is over the counter at any farm store here in the Brands Sulmet and Corid.

 

[Eggcessive]

That is incorrect about medicated feed having weakened cocci strains in it (no offense meant, just trying to be accurate.) Medicated feed contains a weakened medication, usually amprollium, sometimes others, that will help to help in immunity to coccidiosis. You need to try and get amprollium which is called Corid here in the US. There are other anti-cocci meds (Sulmet, Albon or DIMETHOX) but try to find what is used there in Italy. In the meantime you can give them some buttermilk or milk mixed with a little cornmeal to coat their intestines which may delay the disease until you get meds. Medicated feed does not prevent an outbreak. Treat all your chicks for 5-7 days depending on which med is used.

 

[DaddyBird]

No offense taken. That is how it was explained to us when we went through the same thing. It was compared to a vaccine with a weakened version of the source so that the birds could build up immunity. Thank you for the clarification.

 

[RussianChickens]

Sounds like cocci to me too. I don't know what the med's are called in Italy though. I'd treat for cocci.

 

[loopy12]

Should I quarantine her, or is it too late as they'll all be infected already?

 

[Eggcessive]

They are probably all exposed now, but until you get meds, you might separate her if you can. The droppings are what will spread it around--in the water, food, and litter. When you get meds, treat everyone, and change out the litter to keep it clean and dry.

 

[ten chicks]

Should I quarantine her, or is it too late as they'll all be infected already?

No need to quarantine her,at this point if she is showing blood in droppings,they all have been exposed. Separating her may make matters worse,the stress from being alone could make her more ill. Do as Eggcessive suggests,use buttermilk to coat intestines until you are able to purchase medication. I believe in Italy it is called Amprolium(Corid is the brand name). In Canada we call it Amprolium(Amprol)

 

[loopy12]

Ok...thankyou. I think I just saw the male barred rock do a bloody poop too They seem fine in themselves though, so fingers crossed they can hold on until I get the medicine.
Can't even get buttermilk today...Italy closes on a Sunday...but will go to the feed shop first thing tomorrow and see if they stock it.
Thanks!

 

[loopy12]

Quick question:
I will treat all the 6-week olds when I get it, and I will treat the adults too, even though they are kept separate elsewhere, just in case I have cross-contaminated somehow.
But, I also have 4 day old chicks - is it safe to give them the medication too?