When is an asymptomatic adult chicken “overloaded” with Coccidia?

[SarahL2021]

Hi all,
I just got some fecal results back from a lab and one hen had a coccidia count of 60 - I’m wondering what this means and if I should even treat, because some of what I’m reading online says adult chickens often have some coccidia eggs in their system.

This is a Rhode Island Red who is 1.5 years old. She typically does have runny poo and some dried poo under her vent that I wash off from time to time. Just thought she had digestion issues. No other symptoms, she eats and drinks normally, comb is bright and eyes are alert. Sometimes she seems to squat more than the other chickens but that’s always been her general stance (almost seems like her legs are shorter than the others). She’s very active when free ranging a few hours each day. Doesn’t seem to be laying right now but that is to be expected with the winter here in PA.

Should I just let her be as she seems relatively healthy? Or would you treat with that cocci count? My other 7 hens didn’t show any coccidia count and are the same age.

 

[staceyj]

Treating with corid is easy.
I see no reason NOT to treat her and the whole flock (because corid won’t hurt anyone).
It will probably improve her chronic runny poop.

If she is carrying coccidia and has runny poop that means she’s shedding it into the environment and everyone is walking through it and coming into contact with it while scratching, pecking and preening.
Just because it didn’t show up for anyone else doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not there, only that it didn’t show up in that particular poop sample on that slide.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

You're right, coccidia is everywhere and chickens are presumed to be infected, so if you see them in a fecal, don't panic. If no symptoms, don't treat.
But this one does have symptoms: runny feces and a messy vent, which can cause other issues like fly strike, and she may be feeling gross in the belly. It would be wise to treat with Corid, and treat everyone. Make sure their enclosure and roosts are cleaned off. No fuss, no muss.

 

[SarahL2021]

thank you, I treated everyone with corid.