Two dead chicks in brooder pen

[redinator]

If one were so inclined, did a bit of research/reading, they can certainly find a lot of information about Bacitracin, and it's use in poultry feed.

It can also be used to help prevent Coccidiosis, but my understanding is the certain strains may not be as affected by Bacitracin as others. There are 9 strains of Coccidia which is a Protozoa (not a bacteria) that is found in poop and in soil.

This makes me think it'd be best to give the Corid at the preventative dose along with the medicated feed that contains Bacitracin to cast a wider net, so to speak.

In the lower section of the article posted it mentions concerns of causing antibiotic resistance and affecting gut health. I can only assume using up the one bag wouldn't cause too much of a concern, but I certainly won't be buying it again. I just didn't realize there were different additives in medicated feed, so I didn't know to look for anything in particular.

The only things I've used so far (and have on hand) are Nutri Drench when I had really sick chicks after a hard hatch. Sav-A-Chick electrolytes and Sav-A-Chick Probiotics to give them a boost a few days before going outdoors. I've also used egg yolk when I needed to use an eyedropper because a chick refused to eat. Aside from that this is new territory.

This is the first time I've had sick chick(en)s after putting them outside, but it seems my stream of beginner's/dumb luck has run out.

Another vitamin/supplement I keep seeing mentioned in other threads is Poultry Cell, but I believe it contains thiamine (B1) so in this instance (coccidiosis) it would do more harm than good. Is there another multivitamin that would be safe to give them to help them recover?

It's hard to look up the information myself when 4 chicks passed in two days and I end up with information overload. Thankfully they're all are doing well now and going bonkers in the brooder. They'll be going back outside today, so I want to make sure they don't get sick again.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

This makes me think it'd be best to give the Corid at the preventative dose along with the medicated feed that contains Bacitracin to cast a wider net, so to speak.

In the lower section of the article posted it mentions concerns of causing antibiotic resistance and affecting gut health. I can only assume using up the one bag wouldn't cause too much of a concern, but I certainly won't be buying it again.

Another vitamin/supplement I keep seeing mentioned in other threads is Poultry Cell, but I believe it contains thiamine (B1) so in this instance (coccidiosis) it would do more harm than good. Is there another multivitamin that would be safe to give them to help them recover?

I'm glad they are doing much better and you have not had anymore losses.

No, if you are going to Treat for Coccidiosis, you want to give the Severe dosing of Amprolium (Corid). As mentioned, Amprolium is a Coccidiostat and not an antibiotic.

Finish the course of Corid at 7 days, then give the chicks plain fresh water for a few days.

After that you can add a basic poultry vitamin like Poultry Cell or Poultry Nutri-Drench to their water 2X a week for a couple of times a week. Be sure to provide Plain Fresh Water in addition to the water with the vitamins. Often birds will not drink vitamin water and you certainly don't want them to get dehydrated.

Most poultry vitamins are very similar. Poultry Cell has a wider variety of vitamins/minerals than Poultry Nutri-Drench, do a comparison of ingredients.