Supplemental Lighting to Promote Control Over Cocci Infection

centrarchid

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I am running multiple broods of chicks in tight quarters with adults over ground that has been getting wet. Those together promote more intense cocci infections that are more likely to get ahead of the chick's developing immune system. When cocci hit particularly hard I have been using medicated water. Outside with hens I sometime see poorer outcomes than birds of similar genetics that have been moved to garage. Two things possibly at play. First is hens stop warming chicks for extended periods (as far as sick chicks are concerned) in when temperature is low while the brooder chicks have a much more consistent environment. Secondly is the brooder is lit 24 / 7 and I have observe chicks in there getting food and water even during the dead of night while the hen-reared chicks shut down for the night. I think the brooder reared chicks, especially when it comes to hydration are in better shape in terms of medication intake plus they may be less inclined to become dehydrated.
 
I do agree that the medicated water intake may be different between the outside chicks and the indoor ones, as the indoor ones would be warmer and thirstier, which would make a difference. Also, the temperature consistency and less environmental stress for the indoor birds could also make a difference just in lower stress usually equates less stress on the immune system.

Another factor influencing the different outcomes may be the fact that your outside ground is not turned over as well while your brooder is cleaned out regularly. Free range chickens tend to stomp the same grounds, while penned birds have no choice. The chicks moved inside are being moved away from the heavier cocci contaminating source.

Coccidia build in the soil over time and infected birds pass more oocysts in their poop (as you know). The commercial poultry farms rotate fields to prevent that and even let some fields lay fallow, especially after an outbreak.

The oocysts are resistant to chemicals but subject to freezing cold and direct UV rays (sunlight).

Any thing that lowers the number of re-infecting oocysts (UV light, freezing cold, disinfectants, fresh non-infected litter) would help medicated birds recover more quickly.

Interesting observations.

My thoughts
LofMc
 
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I left a detail out. All birds in rabbit cages off the ground. Even the brooders are now rabbit cages. The details are important and I have been over looking them a lot lately as moving away from from brooders with bedding and not allowing even free-range broodies with chicks to roost on the ground.
 

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