Symptoms of Coccidiosis
Here is a summary table of coccidiosis symptoms to help you determine if your hen is affected:
| Symptômes | |
|---|---|
| Léthargie | Oui/non |
| Perte d'appétit | Oui/non |
| Crêtes et caroncules pâles | Oui/non |
| Posture affaissée et ailes tombantes | Oui/non |
| Plumes ébouriffées | Oui/non |
| Yeux ternes ou vitreux | Oui/non |
| Retard de croissance chez les poussins | Oui/non |
Causes of Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis in chickens is caused by protozoan parasites called coccidia. These parasites are spread by microscopic eggs called oocysts, which are shed in the feces of infected birds.
- Spread by oocysts : Coccidia oocysts are transmitted by ingestion, often via contaminated food, water or surfaces. Once excreted, these oocysts must undergo sporulation to become infectious. This sporulation requires specific conditions such as oxygen, a certain temperature and humidity.
- Oocyst survival : Sporulated oocysts can survive in the environment for an extended period of time, often up to a year, especially in warm, humid conditions. This explains why managing the chicken coop environment is crucial to preventing infections (Merck Veterinary Manual) (@corporate) (Dine a Chook).
Coccidiosis Prevention
To prevent coccidiosis, it is essential to:
- Treat young chickens until they develop immunity
- Maintain good management of chicken coop
Preventive treatments
- Vaccination : Check that your chickens are vaccinated against coccidiosis. Don’t assume anything, ask before you take them home.
- Medicated diet : Use medicated starter feeds containing a coccidiostat to help chicks develop immunity.
Chicken coop management
- Provide a balanced and nutritious diet
- Treat illnesses and infections quickly
- Prevent contamination of food and water
- Clean feeders and drinkers regularly
- Keep the chicken coop clean and dry
- Avoid overcrowding
- Prevent contact with wild birds
- Practicing good biosecurity
Treatment of Coccidiosis
If, despite all our efforts, coccidiosis appears, we must act quickly. Isolate sick birds immediately. Use anticoccidial medications like amprolium. The treatment should last approximately 7 days, but improvements may be visible as early as 24 hours. In particularly hot and humid environments, a second treatment may be necessary.
Summary of prevention and treatment practices
| Vaccination | Vérifiez que vos poules sont vaccinées contre la coccidiose. |
|---|---|
| Alimentation médicamenteuse | Utilisez des aliments contenant des coccidiostatiques pour les jeunes poules. |
| Nettoyage régulier | Maintenez le poulailler propre et sec, nettoyez régulièrement les mangeoires et abreuvoirs. |
| Biosécurité | Pratiquez une bonne biosécurité en désinfectant les outils et en évitant les contacts avec les oiseaux sauvages. |
| Quarantaine | Isolez les nouveaux membres du troupeau pendant au moins trois semaines avant de les introduire avec les autres poules. |
| Suppléments probiotiques | Ajoutez des suppléments probiotiques à l'eau des poules pour améliorer leur immunité. |
| Gestion de l'espace | Assurez-vous que chaque poule a suffisamment d'espace pour réduire le stress et la propagation des maladies |
