Where does Cocci come from? (besides dirt)

[KellyHM]

Ok, I know that Cocci is in the environment, but if chicks that have NEVER been outside get it, where the heck did it come from???

 

[pips&peeps]

If you touched anything outside that had oocysts on it and then say touched their waterer or feeder, then they get it. Just like a virus.

It only takes one oocyst, then it multiplies in the host and then they are pooping them out and spreading to everyone all around them.

 

[KellyHM]

I'm quite careful to wash my hands in between going outside to mess with the bid chickens and messing with the babies. And they're on medicated feed!

 

[pips&peeps]

Soapy water will not kill the oocysts. From what I understand extreme heat, ammonia and possibly oxine will kill it.

I have the same problem. I actually blow torched my brooder boxes today.......

I try to always feed the babies first now.

 

[KellyHM]

None of mine actually have problems, but someone I sold a couple to said those ended up w/ bloody poo and she took a sample to the vet and that's what they said it was. Why would those have it while the rest of mine don't show any signs? How long do signs take to show up once they contract it? Could they have gotten it after they left my house? Can it show up quickly? Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to figure out if I need to treat the ones at my house, or if it's possible those got it after they left.

 

[pips&peeps]

Stress from the move probably left the chicks a little bit depleted and that is when they get a bad case.

I think it takes only 4-5 days for it to get bad.

 

[KellyHM]

So should I treat everyone else just in case?

 

[pips&peeps]

How long has it been since the chicks left your place? Do they appear sick? Are you feeding medicated starter?

Another idea, always have a seperate sterile area for chicks that you plan to sell. I have a completely different set up for chicks I ship in a different room. And, I always put the feeders and waterers in the dishwasher to clean them before setting everything up.

 

[KellyHM]

Well, I had never had chicks in my brooder before these, so it wasn't the source. And the feeder and waterer were brand new also. They were on medicated feed from the time they were born until now. None of the ones I still have show any signs of being sick, but should I just go ahead and treat them just in case? They're 3 weeks old. I just don't want them suddenly going down hill if I can prevent it. Thanks for all the help!

 

[pips&peeps]

I personally wouldn't treat them. I would bet they got sick at their new home. I would just keep a close eye on them and keep feeding them the medicated feed.

If you do decide to treat them, I would use sulfadimethoxine instead of sulmet, it works better. You can get it from First State Vet Supply.