Chicken Health | COCCIDIOSIS
What is Coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasite that exists just about everywhere. It can take a heavy toll on chicks, starting from about three weeks of age. The parasite multiplies greatly in the gut of the chick, and vast numbers of "oocysts" (think of them as eggs) come out in the manure. Chicks raised on litter floors scratch and peck at the litter, looking for food, and become infected. The explosive multiplication of the coccidia can lead to dead, stunted, and sick chicks. Chicks that are exposed to only low levels of coccidia become immune without becoming sick.
This is caused by a microscopic parasitic organism that affects the lining of your chickens intestine. This protozoan parasite is one of the common problems to affect a backyard flock. The gut wall is damaged which can cause significant pain to an infected chicken. If not treated this can be fatal as it affects the bird’s ability to digest food.
Learn more
Check on young birds daily especially with changes in the weather or if you have recently moved them to a new area.
Symptoms
- Blood in the droppings (not always but usually)
- Unwell bird - drooping wings, cold feet, fluffed up
- Chicks aged 4 to 16 weeks are most vulnerable
- Drop in egg production
- Loss of condition
- Sudden deaths
Prevention
Coccidiosis is found where birds are in contact with their own manure which is virtually all birds on the floor or free range. Former battery hens being put on the floor for the first time are especially vulnerable, so they must be introduced gradually to ground where poultry have been previously kept. Warm wet bedding, a change of environment, damp, wet environmental conditions or a stress (like the move from inside to outside or from one farm to another) are likely to trigger an outbreak within a few days of exposure, so good hygiene, awareness and management practices are essential.
Treatment
Many birds suffer such a low dose of coccidiosis you might not even notice, and this helps the birds to build up an immunity to the coccidia in their environment. If a bird is badly affected, then treat quickly with an anticoccidial medication such as Coxiprol or Baycox to kill the Coccidiosis living in the gut. Follow the instructions on the medication for best results, some treatments require the birds to be dosed for a full week with a follow up treatment. If treating chicks best to keep them in a dry and draught free area and maybe place them back under heat to aid recovery. Make sure their bedding is clean and dry. Position clean drinkers and feeders so they hang or sit off the floor to reduce recontamination of the feed.
Remember ACT FAST If You See Signs of Coccidosis
Treat Urgently
Anticoccidiol drugs work well. As soon as you spot signs of coccidiosis act quickly to save lives. If treated quickly the chicks should bounce back.
We stronly advise keeping Coxiprol on hand if raising young birds.
Use Medicated Feed
We recommend feeding out a medicated chick starter that contains low levels of coccisiostat. This will help your birds especially at the 4 week mark. For the first 3+ weeks they have a natural immunity via the egg.
Feed The Best
Give your chicks the best start with a complete balanced chicks starter that contains naturally occuring proteins at 19 to 20%. Good quality feed will give them a head start. We recommend Weston Chicks Choice.
Aid Recovery
If your young pullets have been hit hard by coccidiosis assist them to bounce back by offering them a vitamin and protein liquid supplement in their water. We recommend Nettex Vit Boost or Agrivite Mite Rescue Remedy.