This year we ambitiously bought a couple incubators and hatched our own chicks. While we were successful at a 70% hatch rate, there were still challenges and many lessons to be learned. Some of those lessons were learned while the chicks were in the brooder and even when they graduated to the outdoor flock. One of the biggest battles we faced was Coccidiosis. We did loose a couple of our young chicks but we were able to act fast and treat our flock before it got out of hand. By providing information about Coccidiosis, hopefully I can help prevent this disease in your flock.
Identification
Coccidiosis is caused by a protozoa from the genus Eimeria, which is a microscopic single-celled parasitic organism that attaches to the intestinal lining of poultry. This inhibits the absorption of nutrients that the bird needs to survive. There are many species of Eimeria and most healthy chickens develop some immunity to these organisms. The problem arises when you introduce immune compromised or young birds into the mix. Coccidiosis is spread through infected fecal matter and can live in bedding or soil for months. Coccidiosis moves fast, but is treatable, so quick identification is key. Coccidiosis symptoms include:
- Blood in Droppings (This is the first an most obvious symptom of coccidiosis – Especially in young birds)
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Weight loss in older birds or stunted growth in younger birds
- Ruffled feathers and huddling
- Pale combs
- Decreased egg production in adult hens
This list may look intimidating and there are many other diseases that can share these symptoms. If you have doubts about your identification there is always the option to have an intestinal parasite evaluation done with your avian veterinarian. This usually entails dropping off a stool sample to your vet.
Treatment
Corid
While your flock is undergoing treatment you must eliminate the coccidia protozoa from the environment (as much as possible). You must perform a deep clean of the coop/run and remove all droppings and soiled bedding. This will significantly decrease the risk of reinfection in the future.
Prevention
- Take Bio-Security precautions. Always quarantine new members of the flock for 30 days to monitor their health and catch any signs of illness before they can expose the rest of your flock. In addition, if you are visiting other farms make sure you change your clothes before being in contact with your own flock, and never share equipment that has been in contact with other flocks. This would risk bringing home new strains of coccidiosis that your chickens have not built an immunity to.
- Medicated Chick Feed or Vaccination. Chicks are the most susceptible to coccidiosis as they have not yet developed immunity. There is a vaccine available to combat coccidiosis, but may not be very cost effective for small “backyard” operations (such as ours). However, if you are ordering chicks from a large hatchery that offers coccidiosis vaccinated chicks then it may be worth the extra small fee. If you have vaccinated chicks then it is not necessary to feed medicated chick feed. If you have non-vaccinated chicks then it is recommended you feed them Medicated Chick Feed
for their first 16-18 weeks of life.
for their first 16-18 weeks of life. - Avoid Overcrowding. Meat chickens often fall victim to coccidiosis due to being kept in small spaces. Always provide adequate space and ventilation for your chickens to prevent rapid disease spread. As a general rule each chicken needs 4 square feet of space inside the coop, and 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outside run.
- Provide Clean Water. Water becomes contaminated very easily by infected droppings. You must remain vigilant and provide fresh water often and clean dirty waterers. You may also consider using Poultry Waterer Nipples or Automatic Water Cups
rather than open watering areas to keep the clean water contained – dispensing clean water only when necessary.
rather than open watering areas to keep the clean water contained – dispensing clean water only when necessary. - Maintain Good Housekeeping Practices. A clean coop is the best way to prevent disease in general. Pay particular attention to feeding areas. Always use proper feeding trays or dispensers. Never throw feed on the ground or in soiled bedding as it will quickly become contaminated and infect any chicken that eats it.
Coccidiosis can be deadly if ignored, but as long as you are taking preventative action there should be little to worry about. In the case of an outbreak, act fast and provide treatment right away to prevent casualties.
