Chick with bloody poop??

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Julia Smith on January 10, 2011 at 4:01pm

separate her IMMEDIATELY. She most likely has coccidiosis which is highly contagious. You will probably need to treat them all with antibiotics. We went through this with our Buff Orpington chicks. Good times... giving 10 baby chicks antibiotics. We ended up having to put down the one who started it but managed to save the rest. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Sasha Fergusson on January 10, 2011 at 4:34pm

Eesh okay... where is a good place to get antibiotics?

Permalink Reply by Julia Smith on January 10, 2011 at 4:40pm

honestly, it will likely cost you more than you paid for the chicks. If I were you, I would return them for a refund. But when we didn't know any better, we took ours to Night Owl Bird Hospital on Broadway. You'll need to take the sick one in and they'll give you enough for all of them.

Permalink Reply by Sasha Fergusson on January 10, 2011 at 5:45pm

Okay, thanks.

Permalink Reply by Duncan Martin on January 10, 2011 at 9:33pm

For further amateur diagnosis, this website can be helpful: http://chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

It's not suitable for some workplaces, but it's fascinating.

 

Also, clean out their pen and put down some new bedding.  Spray some cheap white vinegar liberally around the coop and on any exposed feed - it's also good to put some live (unpasteurized) apple cider vinegar in their water - about a tablespoon per gallon.  

Permalink Reply by Sasha Fergusson on January 11, 2011 at 11:44am

Thanks, that site is pretty interesting... We lost one chick this morning, but the original sick chick is doing better- the cleaning seemed to help. we are taking her to the bird hospital today... hopefully everyone will be okay.

Permalink Reply by Nathaniel Reister on January 11, 2011 at 1:34pm

I would also suggest you get a copy of the Chicken Health Handbook.  It's been helpful allowing us to priliminarily diagnose any problems our birds have had.  I agree with Julia, Coccidiosis is the most likely case (it is an internal parasite of the protazoa variety).  We also treated all of our birds due to the introduction of a pullet with that disease- we had it diagnosed by Night Owl and in turn treated the entire flock (it was expensive but these were all our prided heritage birds).  This bird recovered, none of our others got the disease thanks to our quick action.  She is now one of our better layers.

 

Our book qoutes:  "The first outbreak of coccidiosis in a new chicken coop is usually the worst, a phenomena known as "new-house coccidiosis syndrome." The reason is that the first birds raised on new ground have little exposure to infective oocysts. When they eventually become exposed, they have little or no immunity and the outbreak is particularly serious."

 

Note- this disease spreads to other birds through the excrement, feet of wild birds and any equipment not thoroughly cleaned (they will eat the other's poo)- pay special attention to cleanliness if you decide to keep your birds- As per Duncan's suggestion- however-  use bleach. seperate the bird.

 

In all likelyhood, the disease will subside if treated properly your birds will gain a resistance to the natural coccidia that are ever present in all flocks.

 

I AM NOT AN EXPERT> However, I hope this helps.

 

Permalink Reply by Sasha Fergusson on January 11, 2011 at 5:05pm

Thanks, this is all very helpful. I did get a medicine for the chicks, the disease has spread through everyone... so quickly, within one day! I'm going to give them their first dose of medicine tonight... and we'll see what happens!