Surprising red/orange mucus in poop - please advise!

[ahodges]

We are very new to backyard chickens but so far have successfully raised 8 newborn chicks to be an 8 week old happy healthy flock! One turned out to be a rooster, so about a week ago we gave him back to the farm we got them from, and they were kind enough to trade us a hen who they estimated to be about 16 weeks old. She gets along well with the original 7, and even surprised us by laying eggs 3 days in a row for us. She has since stopped laying for 4 days, which I read can be normal for newly laying girls (right?), but this morning I noticed that some of the poop had reddish, stringy mucus in it. At first I thought it was a worm, but it stretched and broke apart easily like mucus. I cannot tell which chicken it is coming from but every one is eating and drinking fine and has great energy. Every one eats the same chick starter feed, with occasional kitchen scrap or dried mealworm treats, a cup of oyster shell for the older girl to eat as she pleases, and ACV in their water. Are these poos normal intestinal shedding? Or do I need to be treating for cocci? I did just order some Corid just incase. Please advise! Thank you so much in advance for any time and assistance!

 

[azygous]

That is closer to the color of blood, but even if it's intestinal shed, it's too much to be relegated as normal.

It would help to know your location to better help and advise you. But right off, I'd guess your flock is coping with a coccidia outbreak.

It would be wise to get a coccidiostat and start treating them all. It would also help to treat with an antibiotic, as well, because that much intestinal membrane, if that's what it is, indicates intestinal infection. A sulfa antibiotic would be the best.

 

[ahodges]

That is closer to the color of blood, but even if it's intestinal shed, it's too much to be relegated as normal.

It would help to know your location to better help and advise you. But right off, I'd guess your flock is coping with a coccidia outbreak.

It would be wise to get a coccidiostat and start treating them all. It would also help to treat with an antibiotic, as well, because that much intestinal membrane, if that's what it is, indicates intestinal infection. A sulfa antibiotic would be the best.

Thank you so much for your fast response!

Re: location - we live in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Is "corid" the coccidiostat you would advise using? I have ordered that and it should be delivered tomorrow. I will also pick up a sulfa antibiotic.

 

[azygous]

Yes, Corid 9.6% is what you want. If you have any chickens that are acting very sick, it's important to also give them a drench dose along with the Corid infused water. Drench dose is .1ml per pound of weight undiluted, syringed directly into the beak once per day for three days. The drinking water solution is two teaspoons per gallon for five days. One week after the final dose, do another five day round. No need to do the drench during this one.

How to safely syringe fluids:

 

[ahodges]

Thank you so very much for all of the thorough information!! If none are acting sick, do you think it is safe to just proceed with Corid treatment before doing the antibiotic? Or would you go ahead with an antibiotic as well out of caution?

 

[azygous]

I would do the antibiotic out of caution. Some strains of coccidia are more apt to inflame the intestinal walls, causing infection. The amount of red substance in your poop photos is a warning that this inflammation could be underway. It must not be ignored. If left without treatment, it can do irreversible damage to the intestines.

You can order it here is you can't buy it locally. https://jedds.com/products/trimethoprin-sulfa-medpet?_pos=1&_sid=83dcb7a2a&_ss=r

 

[ahodges]

I would do the antibiotic out of caution. Some strains of coccidia are more apt to inflame the intestinal walls, causing infection. The amount of red substance in your poop photos is a warning that this inflammation could be underway. It must not be ignored. If left without treatment, it can do irreversible damage to the intestines.

You can order it here is you can't buy it locally. https://jedds.com/products/trimethoprin-sulfa-medpet?_pos=1&_sid=83dcb7a2a&_ss=r

I truly appreciate all of your help! I am feeling less panicked now knowing how to treat - hopefully I am catching this early enough!

 

[Eggcessive]

Corid dosage is 2 tsp (10 ml) of the liquid per gallon of water for 5-7 days. If using the powder, use 1 1/2 tsp per gallon. Use this as your only source of water. Look for more droppings like the first one.

 

[ahodges]

Corid dosage is 2 tsp (10 ml) of the liquid per gallon of water for 5-7 days. If using the powder, use 1 1/2 tsp per gallon. Use this as your only source of water. Look for more droppings like the first one.

Thank you!!! Can I continue to add the ACV still be added to the water with the Corid? Or do you advise only adding the Corid until this (hopefully) clears up.

 

[Eggcessive]

No additives to Corid. ACV is very overrated. I have used it for older birds in water, but it isn’t really necessary.