Sould I be worried?

[K R 2709]

I found this today they are on a medicated starter. (Untill yesterday when I changed feed) so it can't be cocci. Did they just have a weird dropping or should I be concerned?

 

[chirpingcricket]

I found this today they are on a medicated starter. (Untill yesterday when I changed feed) so it can't be cocci. Did they just have a weird dropping or should I be concerned?

How old are the chicks, how long have they been on med feed (?up to 20 weeks) Do you have some who are standing alone, stiff legged, hunched over, with feathers that looked ruffled/twirled backwards/won't turn into position of growth, occasionally drink, maybe eat a bit? Losing weight/feather-lite to lift, sharp/bony breastbone? Chicks just start dying...

If not, that might be just some intestinal tissue sluffing, can happen on occasion with young chicks.....If it becomes dark, bloody, clotted smears or droplets of blood, could very well be cocci. Please note, you will often not see any blood on their bums or body.

Cocci is extremely deadly and contagious and painful. It eats away the intestinal lining very similar to Parvo in dogs. Need to start treatment to flock within 72 hours using Corid. The infected bird(s) are unable to sit or lie down due to intense stomach pain/cramps, hence they stand hunched over. To difficult to reach food/water.

If it is, you will need to be diligent in dosing the birds, some will drink it if they are able, others will need to be carefully syringed to prevent aspiration. They will need electrolytes/probiotic alternated on days while on Corid. It is very involved since hydration/medicaion must be done several times a day and litter removed/burned frequently. There are other meds being offered now, but research/availability are still in the works.

Please stay in touch if you like and should this be the case, I'll be glad to assist you. Hopefully it won't be Cocci, just so much hit this year everywhere. Meanwhile, you'll have some insight and be able to point others in the right direction.

 

[ten chicks]

I found this today they are on a medicated starter. (Untill yesterday when I changed feed) so it can't be cocci. Did they just have a weird dropping or should I be concerned?

Could just be shed intestinal lining,which is normal. Chicks on medicated feed can still get Coccidiosis. Cocci is a parasitic infection of the intestinal tract,very common for chickens to have an overload of it. Know the symptoms,,runny/watery poop (may or may not contain blood)fluffed feathers,lethargic. If you see symptoms,purchase Corid(amprolium) Dosage for Corid powder is 1/2 tsp per gallon of water. Dosage for Corid liquid is 2 tsp per gallon of water. Treat all chicks for 5 days,do not give vitamins during treatment(interferes with medication)give vitamins after treatment.

 

[chirpingcricket]

Could just be shed intestinal lining,which is normal. Chicks on medicated feed can still get Coccidiosis. Cocci is a parasitic infection of the intestinal tract,very common for chickens to have an overload of it. Know the symptoms,,runny/watery poop (may or may not contain blood)fluffed feathers,lethargic. If you see symptoms,purchase Corid(amprolium) Dosage for Corid powder is 1/2 tsp per gallon of water. Dosage for Corid liquid is 2 tsp per gallon of water. Treat all chicks for 5 days,do not give vitamins during treatment(interferes with medication)give vitamins after treatment.

KR 2709 How are the chicks today???
Just wanted to check in with you to see if there were any changes, hopefully not having to deal with cocci.
Please let me know if I can further assist in any way.....

10 chicks,
Good point on the vitamin/electrolytes, up real late posting, forgot to make that clear. Also, dosage info is appreciated too. Thanks a bunch! Just had to go through this myself with 25 chickies, no fun.

 

[K R 2709]

The chicks were all doing fine when I went to feed them this morning. They are 6 weeks old except for one Banty who is 5 weeks. They have been on medicated starter since I got them at one week old. Thanks for all of the input and help.

 

[K R 2709]

The 5 week Banty is the one that I am worried about. He has been sleepy lately

 

[chirpingcricket]

The 5 week Banty is the one that I am worried about. He has been sleepy lately

I tell you what, it might be a good idea to go ahead and combine a pack of the (ChickSaver) electrolyte without iron and a pack of chick probiotic (find them at TSC or feed stores). Mix in gallon jug of water and give that to them over the next 3 days. (It will look like Gatoraid)

It will give them a boost in their immune system and hydration along with regulate their stomach ph. Until you get the powders started, you could give them a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in a quart of water to see if that will help their energy too.

Continue to watch for the signs of prolonged standing, not laying down, ruffled feathers, hunched over in the back and wings, poo can be frothy without blood, but usually turns quickly to blood.

Sometimes their intestinal linings will slough just due to development issues.

If it starts to bleed or passes away, stop the above mentioned fluids and dose with the Corid liquid as their only drinking source x 5 days. I had 2 birds that went on it for 7 days (due to continued bleed through) 'cause they were not getting enough of the fluids to drink due to weakness, and I had to syringe it in their beak. It finally stopped. Even after the meds, they will slogh off intestinal tissues, etc. Ok to continue with the Med feed too.

Once the Corid dosing is complete, return to the ChickSaver and Probiotic hydration for at least a week, more if needed. I would alternate most of the day on the electrolytes, the evening with plain water. They don't have a taste for much. Continue med feed. I even started putting buttermilk in their med starter feed once or twice a week to get them back up to speed and gaining weight. Took about 4 weeks total, but they were all at death's door when I discovered it. Out of 17 chicks, saved 13. Lost the 3 chicks within 24 hours, thought they got trampled to death or something, no signs of injury or bleeding. Then I saw that first bloody stool and I knew!

It would be a very good idea to have Corid, ChickSaver, Probiotic and a product called GrowGell on hand when raising chicks. The Growgel is great since it is a gel based food, that can be placed in the chicks mouth and melt, since they often can't take the pain of eating and drinking early on in treatment.

Feel free to continue posting me and send a picture as well if you can. Best of luck and hang in there! Birds are pretty resilient if you can catch problems early. Chirp

 

[K R 2709]

The chickies are much better today. They seem very perky and happy. They are now eating grower feed. It isn't medicated but if I see any other symptoms I will medicate them.
Thanks for the help,

 

[chirpingcricket]

The chickies are much better today. They seem very perky and happy. They are now eating grower feed. It isn't medicated but if I see any other symptoms I will medicate them.
Thanks for the help,

 

[K R 2709]

I think that the chicks are healthy now! I isolated one that I was nervous about being sick so that I could check his droppings. They were completely normal.
Thanks for all of the help everyone!