Coccidiosis in Chickens - Causes, Identification and Cure

If you flipped a coin it's a 50/50 chance you would guess correctly on what face the coin would fall. Equally if you keep chickens chances are sooner or later you will come into contact with Coccidiosis.

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by a coccidial oocyst, a microscopic parasite that when digested by the bird, attaches itself to the lining of the gut where it begins feeding, causing the chicken to bleed. Once a bird is infected, it will pass these parasites through its droppings where it can be picked up by other members of the flock.

But do not worry, the purpose of this blog is to help you identify a bird that may have been infected and then cure them.

Causes of Coccidiosis 

1. Contaminated ground through transfer or natural occurrence.
2. Dirty water, wet or damp bedding and areas around drinkers are especially prone. 
3. Exposure through the droppings of another bird. 

Identifying Coccidiosis

1. The bird is passing blood in their poo, this is from the oocyst attacking the gut lining. 
2. Drop in egg production. 
3. Listless chickens, droopy and hunched over, with ruffled feathers.
4. Not feeding or drinking.
5. Young birds are more prone to the infection and will die if not quickly treated. 

Curing Coccidiosis

Coxoid

1. Coxoid is a liquid treatment for pigeons that has been found to be effective in poultry. Put into their drinking water over 7 days at a rate of 28ml per 4.5 litres of water. This is powerful stuff and has a 28 day egg withdrawal period that should be followed. 
2. A coccidial disinfectant, like Bi-OO-Cyst, should be used for cleaning the house. There is no point putting cured birds back into an infected house and a coccidial disinfectant will take care of any lingering coccidiosis parasites in your flock's coop. 
3. You should follow up any treatment of Coxoid with a multi-vitamin tonic to help your flock get back on its feet. This must be given after and not at the same time. 

It is entirely possible that your flock will live quite happily with a mild infection of coccidiosis their whole lives, however the regular use of an Apple Cider Vinegar will help make your hens guts 'inhospitable' to this microscopic pest. 

With a little care and if you keep the house and run clean and dry, and keep feeders and drinkers hygienic, Coccidiosis may never be a problem for your flock. If you would like more in depth information you can read our information page all about Coccidiosis in Chickens HERE, leave a comment or call a member of our team on 01300 345229.

Thanks for Reading

James