Thought she had an impacted crop - bloody poo - Cocci?

[Whispering_Raven]

Well, I can honestly say I am baffled. She seems perfectly fine this morning. Both eyes open, strong and alert, crop seems normal. She still has a bit of diarrhea, but no more blood. She's talking and perching. She won't stay in the box for love nor money, so I bought her back outside. The fella at the co-op still thinks there's a good chance she has cocci and to go ahead and treat her and the flock anyway and they do have the liquid Corid, $14.99 for a 16oz bottle. He said she should be fine outside during the day, just keep an eye on her and don't let her sleep in the hen house with the others for a few days. So, I think I have a plan! I will keep everyone updated! Thanks so much!

 

[Eggcessive]

Having never dealt with cocci with my little flock, I read your post with great interest. You stated ... "and under the age of being immune to cocci." My girls are 14-15 weeks old now, does that mean they are somewhat immune at this age? Enlighten this 'ol senior gal, please!!

I have never had a case of cocci myself, so my knowledge comes from sources such as "Diseases of Poultry" and Mercks Manuel, and some online papers written by agricultural authorities. Chicks have a little window of immunity the first 2 weeks of life. Most chicks have coccidia oocysts in their intestines by 2-3 weeks of age, and usually develop immunity between ages 11-20 weeks. There have been reported cases of the deadliest strain occurring as late as 16 weeks in chickens who had been on medicated feed, but had been stopped 4 weeks earlier. So you just really need to spot the usual symptoms. By the way, thanks for your contributions on the emergency forum--you seem very knowledgeable as well as helpful.

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, I can honestly say I am baffled. She seems perfectly fine this morning. Both eyes open, strong and alert, crop seems normal. She still has a bit of diarrhea, but no more blood. She's talking and perching. She won't stay in the box for love nor money, so I bought her back outside. The fella at the co-op still thinks there's a good chance she has cocci and to go ahead and treat her and the flock anyway and they do have the liquid Corid, $14.99 for a 16oz bottle. He said she should be fine outside during the day, just keep an eye on her and don't let her sleep in the hen house with the others for a few days. So, I think I have a plan! I will keep everyone updated! Thanks so much!

I would treat with the Corid after seeing that much blood. Corid is not harmful, and if symptoms start, they may have had the disease for at least 3days. Dosage of the liquid Corid is 2 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days, and treat all birds. After treatment is finished, give vitamins and probiotics in their water for 3 or more days.

 

[iwiw60]

Quote: Well, truth be told I, too, have gained the majority of my knowledge from reading, reading, reading, and all the multiple online information that is available. Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, truth be told I, too, have gained the majority of my knowledge from reading, reading, reading, and all the multiple online information that is available. Thanks!

I was just re-reading the etiology section of Mercks, and it says that poultry are never completely immune to cocci, but most gradually build up resistance. So every chicken has to be exposed to develop natural immunity. Older chickens can always get cocci from a new strain brought in by a new flock member, or tracked in on shoes. I usually place a clump of sod in my brooder for my chicks to peck at when they are 2-3 days old. Neither the brooder-raised chicks or my broody hen raised chicks on the ground from day one have ever had an obvious case of it. Here are some good links to read: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/poultry/coccidiosis/overview_of_coccidiosis_in_poultry.html
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4616
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html

 

[ten chicks]

Correct,birds are never immune to cocci,only to the strains they have had prior exposure to. I have no idea why so many sites constantly say birds are immune after a certain age,this info is false. A bird of any age can have a cocci overload/outbreak due to the fact that there are approx 11 strains that can affect poultry at any given time and this parasite can be spread by bringing new birds into our flock,wild birds,other animals carrying it into area on feet,our own hands/clothes/shoes/etc.All poultry keepers need to recognize the symptoms and treat immediately to prevent deaths.

 

[Eggcessive]

Some sources such as "Diseases of Poultry" say there are at least 9, and the Canadian Ag source says at least 11 that affect chickens. There are 2 very bad ones that cause blood in the droppings, and 2 or 3 others that cause a chronic form where the chicken never really is very healthy, doesn't gain weight, and can be susceptible to other diseases easily. I always feel like it is better to treat for it, than not, since Corid (amprollium) is not hard on them like some drugs, such as the sulfa antibiotics.

 

[bantybabylover]

i agree they can get it from wild birds, the sparrows that get into my chicken pen area concern me, the pigeons were coming frequently, but they are off trying to mate and make nests then soon hunting season starts

 

[Whispering_Raven]

I would treat with the Corid after seeing that much blood. Corid is not harmful, and if symptoms start, they may have had the disease for at least 3days. Dosage of the liquid Corid is 2 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days, and treat all birds. After treatment is finished, give vitamins and probiotics in their water for 3 or more days.

Thank you. I mixed up a gallon of water yesterday and immediately started the 5 day treatment. I used +/- 1/4 oz. I'm cleaning out the hen house today and putting in fresh shavings. In an effort to reduce potential contamination, I also built a new chicken watering system with the nipples, but they are all leaking through the drip nozzle, not the thread. :-( Will try again later today.

Everyone seems OK, with the exception of the one. She still has diarrhea, so I will be keeping careful watch this week. Crossing fingers for a successful outcome!

 

[iwiw60]

Quote: Which type of water nipples are you using?? When you have a free moment (ya...right!) can you post a pic of it so we can see it? I only use the horizontal water nipples for that very reason. The vertical ones tend to have a dripping problem, not to mention they'll freeze up in winter months.