Cocci thrives in a wet/moist environment. Try to keep the coop dry and clean.
Controlling Coccidiosis and still allowing immunity to build is accomplished in the following way. Use Amprol/Corid powder in the birds drinking water at the rate of one teaspoon per gallon of water for seven days and 1/8 teaspoon of 3-Nitro-W as well. Then skip twenty one days and then begin treating with Sulfadimethoxine at the rate of one ounce per two gallons of drinking water for five days. Then skip twenty one days again and start the treatment all over again beginning with the Amprol/Corid and the 3-Nitro-W powder. Continue this program until all birds are five to six months old or until the hens begin laying eggs and then discontinue the program and treat on an as needed basis. It is important to start the Amprol/Corid powder first and then use the Sulfadimethoxine as some species of Cocci cause intestinal bleeding and the use of Sulfa drugs first, will contribute to the bleeding before it makes the situation better.
*There is a method that uses droppings from older hens that have already built an/some immunity up to it. It said to take some droppings and mix in with a gallon or so of water, the chicks will drink it and supposedly build up immunity, but if that bird had cocci that was active it could infect the chicks.
It is also advisable to add 1/4 teaspoon of VITAMIN E to the water as research shows that VITAMIN E can help shorten the course of a Coccidiosis outbreak. When starting baby chicks it is important to start this program no later than ten days of age as this disease will kill baby chicks very quickly.
It takes approximately four to seven days for an Infection to take place in the Intestines.
Symptoms: Ruffled feathers,droopy or sleepy eyed apperance,birds may drop one or both wings,birds may become lethargic and reluctant to move even when prodded. Some birds may show an incoordinated gate or appear to stagger or walk as though they are trying to step over something when there is nothing in front of them. Some birds may have a chilled appearance as well. There may or may not be blood in the droppings depending upon the species of Cocci that is affecting the birds. Weight loss as well as loss of appetite and mortality may also be observed. **Diahrrea, mucousy poo are also symptoms.
Even a bird that has recovered from a Coccidiosis outbreak will remain Infectious as they are never really free of the disease.
Corrid, Amprol, Sulfa and Sulmet are used for treatment of Cocci the most often. Sulfe and Sulmet are harder on the chickens system, Corrid works best and Amprol. ***Go to a feed store or find online stores for these. Dosages should be listed on the bottle/product and how long treatment should last.
Info for drugs on site "Just a word of caution when using Sulfa drugs. Never use Sulfa drugs for longer than the suggested period of time. Never use two Sulfa drugs at the same time. Always use the proper dose for the drug being used. Always allow three weeks between the use of different Sulfa drugs,never use them back to back. The overuse of Sulfa drugs can and will if not properly used cause permanent and irreversable KIDNEY DAMAGE and RENAL SHUTDOWN (kidney failure ) . Use Sulfa drugs with confidence but with a sense of caution. It will be of value to use some 3-nitro-W in with the Corid/Amprol powder when treating for Cocci. There is a synergistic effect when the two are used together. Synergistic just means that the ability of the Corid/Amprol powder to fight Coccidiosis will be improved if the two are used together."
If you cannot get drugs for a few days or (I do not know how the drugs are all given) If they are not liquid needed to be added to water, then add Apple Cider Vinegar, the acidy helps with Cocci until you can get the appropriate meds. Also try and feed any live culture yogurts to keep the chicks system up.