How to Get Rid of Coccidiosis in Chickens Naturally?

Coccidiosis is one of the common intestinal ailment affecting chickens, especially young ones or those under stress. It’s caused by tiny parasites called coccidia that infect a chicken’s gut.

If ignored, coccidiosis can spread quickly and take a serious toll on your flock.

But the good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to treat and prevent it without turning towards to harsh chemicals.

To be able to treat or prevent coccidiosis in chickens it is essential that you spot the symptoms early, and use natural ways to treat the disease.

In this write-up, I’ll share different ways to get rid of this parasite and few important tips to prevent the ailment. Your flocks will be able to keep up with other healthy chickens.

What Causes Coccidiosis in Chickens?

Coccidiosis is caused by a parasitic that belongs to Eimeria genus, which invades the intestinal lining of chickens.

These parasites produce microscopic eggs called oocysts, which are shed through the droppings of infected birds.

Once these oocysts are present in the environment, they can infect other chickens when ingested.

Check out the main factors so that you can easily prevent next time.

1. Contaminated Environment

The primary cause of coccidiosis is a contaminated living environment.

  • Dirty Coops and Runs: When droppings containing oocysts accumulate in the coop or run, they contaminate the soil, bedding, feeders, and waterers. Chickens easily pick up these oocysts when they peck at contaminated surfaces or eat infected feed.
  • Wet or Damp Conditions: Moisture is a breeding ground for Eimeria. Wet bedding, spilled water, or poor drainage in outdoor runs creates the perfect environment for oocysts to thrive and multiply.

2. Ingestion of Oocysts

Coccidiosis spreads when chickens ingest Eimeria oocysts, which can happen in several ways:

  • Eating Contaminated Feed: If droppings mix with feed, chickens unknowingly consume the oocysts.
  • Drinking Contaminated Water: Oocysts can contaminate waterers, especially in coops with poor sanitation or spillage.
  • Pecking at Droppings: Chickens naturally peck the ground or scratch around, and if they ingest infected droppings, they contract the disease.

3. Crowded Living Conditions

Overcrowding in the coop or run increases the risk of coccidiosis by:

  • Encouraging the buildup of droppings, which harbor oocysts.
  • Increasing competition for space, food, and water, leading to stress and weakened immunity.
  • Making it easier for parasites to spread from one chicken to another.

4. Stress and Weak Immune Systems

Chickens with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to coccidiosis. Stressful conditions can lower their defenses, making it easier for the parasite to take hold. Common stressors include:

  • Young Age: Chicks under eight weeks old have underdeveloped immune systems, making them particularly susceptible.
  • Changes in Environment: Moving chickens to a new coop or introducing new flock members can cause stress, increasing the risk of infection.
  • Poor Nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins A and E, can compromise the immune system, making it harder for chickens to fight off infections.

5. Warm and Humid Weather

Coccidiosis is more prevalent in warm, humid conditions. This is because:

  • Heat Speeds Up Oocyst Development: High temperatures make oocysts sporulate (become infectious) faster, increasing the risk of transmission.
  • Humidity Prolongs Survival: Moisture allows oocysts to survive longer in the environment, giving them more time to infect chickens.

6. Poor Sanitation Practices

Inadequate cleaning and maintenance of the coop and run contribute significantly to coccidiosis outbreaks. This includes:

  • Dirty Feeders and Waterers: If not cleaned regularly, these become prime locations for oocyst contamination.
  • Failure to Remove Droppings: Allowing droppings to accumulate creates a highly infectious environment.

7. Rotational Grazing Neglect

For free-range flocks, keeping chickens on the same patch of land for extended periods can lead to the build-up of oocysts in the soil. Without rotational grazing, the parasite population grows, increasing the risk of infection.

Understanding these causes is the first step to preventing coccidiosis. By addressing these factors, you can minimize the chances of an outbreak and ensure your flock remains healthy.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis in Chickens

Signs like watery or bloody droppings, lethargy, loss of appetite, pale combs, and dehydration can be noticed in chickens with coccidiosis.

Coccidiosis often starts with changes in droppings, which may become loose, watery, or even bloody and mucous-filled in severe cases.

Infected chickens typically appear lethargic, sitting or lying down for long periods, and may isolate themselves from the flock. A loss of appetite is common, leading to weight loss and empty crops.

Anemia caused by blood loss results in pale combs and wattles, often cold to the touch. Feathers may appear ruffled or unkempt, and chickens may huddle together, even in warm conditions.

Dehydration is another major symptom, with birds drinking excessively or showing signs like dull eyes and dry skin.

Young chicks are especially vulnerable, often experiencing stunted growth and poor feather development.

Infected chickens also display general signs of discomfort, such as droopy postures and reduced activity. Recognizing these symptoms early is key to effective treatment and flock recovery.

How to Get Rid of Coccidiosis in Chickens Naturally?

Providing clean water, adding apple cider vinegar and herbal remedies like garlic and oregano, and supporting gut health with probiotics and fermented foods can effectively treat Coccidiosis.

Treating coccidiosis naturally requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on supporting your chicken’s immune system, providing proper nutrition, and using natural remedies to fight the infection.

1. Provide Fresh, Clean Water

Water is crucial for preventing dehydration, a common issue in chickens with coccidiosis. Ensure that your flock has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Dehydration can worsen the symptoms, so keep an eye on their water consumption. You may also add an electrolyte solution to their water to help replenish lost fluids and support their immune systems.

2. Introduce Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that helps balance the pH of the gut and support digestion.

Add 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered ACV to every gallon of water. This will help kill harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the chickens’ intestines.

ACV also boosts the immune system, making it easier for your chickens to fight the infection.

3. Herbal Treatments

Several herbs have natural anti-parasitic properties that can help fight coccidiosis. Some of the most effective herbs include:

  • Oregano: Known for its strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, oregano can be added to their feed or water.
  • Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic and antiparasitic properties. You can crush fresh garlic and mix it with their food or water.
  • Pau D’Arco: This herb is known for its ability to fight parasitic infections. It can be made into a tea and given to your chickens.

4. Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Supporting the gut health of your chickens is essential to help them recover from coccidiosis. Providing probiotics and fermented foods will help repopulate the beneficial bacteria in their intestines.

  • Probiotics: You can use a chicken-specific probiotic or offer natural sources like plain yogurt or kefir in small amounts.
  • Fermented Grains: Fermenting grains like oats or wheat makes them easier to digest and encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance made from fossilized algae and is known to have anti-parasitic properties.

Adding small amounts of food-grade diatomaceous earth to your chickens’ feed or sprinkling it around their living area can help control coccidia and other parasites.

However, use it sparingly as excessive amounts can irritate their respiratory system.

6. Increase Nutritional Support

Support your chickens’ recovery by providing a balanced and nutritious diet. Coccidiosis weakens their immune system, so they need extra vitamins and minerals to heal.

  • Offer fresh greens and vegetables: Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • High-quality poultry feed: Ensure your chickens are eating a well-balanced feed with plenty of protein and vitamins to help boost their immunity.
  • Add Brewer’s Yeast: Brewer’s yeast is rich in B vitamins and supports healthy digestion.

7. Ensure Proper Hygiene and Clean Living Conditions

To prevent the spread of coccidiosis and help your chickens recover, maintain a clean and dry environment.

  • Clean Coop Regularly: Remove wet bedding and feces frequently to reduce the spread of the parasite.
  • Disinfect Equipment: Regularly clean water containers, feeders, and nesting boxes with natural disinfectants like vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Provide Adequate Ventilation: Ensure your coop has proper airflow to prevent damp conditions, which can worsen the spread of the disease.

8. Allow for Rest and Recovery

Rest is vital for chickens recovering from coccidiosis. Avoid stressing your birds during their recovery period.

  • Isolate Sick Chickens: Separate infected birds from the rest of the flock to prevent further spread and allow them time to heal.
  • Provide Comfortable Space: Make sure the sick birds have a clean, quiet, and comfortable area to rest and recuperate without being disturbed by other chickens.

By combining these natural remedies with supportive care, you can treat coccidiosis effectively and help your chickens recover without relying on synthetic drugs.

Ensure to regularly monitor your flock and seek professional veterinary advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

How to Prevent Coccidiosis in Chickens?

To prevent coccidiosis in chickens, maintain clean, dry living conditions, provide fresh water, and avoid overcrowding. Support their immune system with probiotics, fermented feed, and anti-parasitic herbs, while minimizing stress and quarantining new birds.

Clean and dry environment

To start, ensure your chickens live in a clean and dry environment. Coccidia thrive in moist conditions, so make sure to clean the coop regularly, replace bedding, and disinfect the area using natural cleaners.

Proper drainage is also essential to prevent water accumulation, which could harbor parasites.

Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing is another effective method, especially if your chickens free-range. By rotating them between different areas of your yard or pasture, you give the land time to recover and reduce the buildup of coccidia in one spot.

Provide Clean, Fresh Water

Providing fresh, clean water is crucial for preventing coccidiosis. Contaminated water sources can spread the parasite, so clean water containers regularly, and consider adding apple cider vinegar to the water to promote gut health and prevent pathogen growth.

Limit Overcrowding

Overcrowding in the coop increases the chances of coccidiosis spreading. Ensure your chickens have enough space to move comfortably, and avoid adding too many birds to the flock at once.

Give Probiotics and Fermented Feed

Supporting your chickens’ digestive health with probiotics and fermented feed is a great way to strengthen their immune system. These healthy bacteria make it harder for harmful parasites like coccidia to take hold.

Add Natural Anti-Parasitic Herbs

Herbs like oregano and garlic, known for their natural anti-parasitic properties, can be added to your chickens’ feed to help prevent infection. These herbs boost gut health and immunity, reducing the likelihood of coccidiosis.

Reduce Stress

Minimizing stress is also essential. Stress can weaken your chickens’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases. Providing a calm environment and avoiding sudden changes will help keep them healthy and strong.

Finally, while natural methods are the best approach, medications may be necessary in some cases. Consult with a veterinarian if you need to use coccidiostats to prevent coccidia from growing in your flock.

Additionally, always quarantine new birds for at least two weeks to prevent introducing any infections to the flock.

By maintaining clean living conditions, supporting your chickens’ immune systems, and practicing good flock management, you can effectively prevent coccidiosis and keep your chickens healthy.

Conclusion

Coccidiosis can be a serious threat to your chickens, if left unnoticed.

With proper prevention and natural treatment methods, you can keep your flock healthy and thriving.

Maintaining clean living conditions, supporting gut health with probiotics and natural herbs, managing stress, and practicing good flock management, can significantly reduce the risk of this parasitic infection.

Remember the old saying, prevention is key, and early intervention can make all the difference in protecting your chickens from coccidiosis.

Keep your chickens’ environment clean, provide ample space, and support their immune system, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, happy flock.

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