Quote: Coccidiosis is a protozoa present in all intestinal tracts of all birds. When they poop, they shed these protozoa and eggs in the poop. In wet conditions in the brooder, these things proliferate at biblical proportions and are responsible for so many chicken chick deaths. As a chick ages, their immune systems learn to deal with these tiny livestock and adults are rarely effected unless they somehow become overwhelmed with these protozoa. But a chicks immune system is not yet developed enough to over come these things, and it is very common for chicks between the ages of 2 weeks to 8 weeks to die from this ailment. So it is very very important to keep the brooder as dry as possible. Chicks pick at everything, especially wet stuff. So you would probably do best to get the ducklings out as soon as possible. I raise all babies on wire...the chicks poop falls through the wire to the floor beneath. It is healthy to come into contact with a small amount of poop so they can develop immunity, so wire is perfect...just enough, never too much. But too much poop and they take in too many of these protozoa before their bodies grow immunity.
Chicks with Cocci will withdraw and stop eating and drinking water. They will have diarrhea and many times it will have blood present in the poop. Eventually the bird sits in the corner fluffed up and stops eating. They either starve to death or die from ulcerated intestines.
BUT....if you are using medicated feed, the chances for contracting Cocci are far less. The medication in medicated feed is Amprolium. Amprolium basically is a thiamine blocker. And these protozoa need thiamine to reproduce. So the medicated feed keeps the Cocci's under control. There is not enough Amprolium in medicated feed to treat an outbreak, but it helps to prevent one. If you do use medicated feed, never use any meds like Corid at the same time as you can overdose them with it. You would then need to get your chicks on non medicated feed to use the Corid.
So bottom line, keep your brooder very dry and as clean as possible, shavings out of the waterers as well, and your babies should develop immunity in a couple of months to Cocci and as along as you keep your facilities clean and keep your birds healthy, Cocci should never be a problem as chicks or adults.
All ground contains Cocci as well. Birds become immune to their environment. So when ever you add new birds to new grounds, they become susceptible to many things, including Coccidiosis.
Only two are pullets so I'm super excited to find out what sex the rest are!! This is my 1st go at having a backyard flock. I've done quite a bit of web surfing for info and tips which led me here!! 
[/COLOR]
hehe I hope they have tasty eggs 
