In this podcast episode, I discuss dealing with the dreaded coccidiosis on the homestead, which is a common problem when raising small livestock. I talk about what coccidiosis is and how to prevent and treat it.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or a doctor and what I share in this post is knowledge gained through my own research and personal experience and should be taken as such. Please do your own research and/or consult a doctor or veterinarian for answers concerning your health or the health of your animals.
Listen To The Podcast
Listen and Subscribe On Your Favorite Podcast Player
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Pandora | Pocket Casts | Castbox | Anchor | YouTube | RSS
Modern Homesteading Members Listen Ad-Free on Spreaker
This episode was sparked by a question in our homestead Front Porch Facebook Group.
Anne Marie’s Question – The parasite coccidiosis has been a huge obstacle to overcome on my homestead. I️ get lots of conflicting info on it from my research. I️ might give up raising Rabbits because of it. Chickens have also been affected and now they are telling me my dog could get it? I️ would love to have a plan moving forward. I️ am an urban homesteader so have very limited space. This parasite might defeat me!
Raising livestock on a homestead is rewarding, but it can come with its share of challenges. One of the toughest issues homesteaders might face is dealing with coccidiosis. This sneaky parasite can harm your animals, especially rabbits and chickens, and if left untreated, it can lead to sickness or even death. But don’t worry, there are ways to manage and prevent it, so let’s dive into what coccidiosis is, how to treat it, and how to keep your homestead critters healthy.
What Is Coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is caused by microscopic parasites called coccidia that infect the intestines of animals. These parasites are tough and can live in the waste (poop) of infected animals. When other animals come into contact with contaminated areas, they can pick up the parasites, which get into their digestive system when they groom themselves or eat contaminated food.
These parasites affect a lot of different animals, including rabbits, chickens, goats, and even dogs. And yes, humans can be affected too, though it’s rare. So, keeping things clean on the homestead is super important!
Signs Your Animals Might Have Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a bit tricky because it doesn’t always show clear symptoms right away. But here are some things to look out for:
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Lethargy (acting really tired and sluggish)
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Muscle weakness or paralysis (especially in rabbits)
- Changes in behavior (acting strange or different)
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to take action fast, as coccidiosis can be fatal if untreated.
How Coccidiosis Spreads
The most common way animals catch coccidiosis is by coming into contact with infected stool. The parasite’s spores are in the poop, and animals pick them up when they eat, drink, or groom themselves after touching contaminated surfaces. The spores can even be carried by mice, which is another reason to keep rodents in check on your homestead.
Treating Coccidiosis the Conventional Way
If you’re dealing with a coccidiosis outbreak, conventional treatments can be very effective. These include sulfa-based antibiotics or other medications like Corid, which you mix with the animal’s drinking water. These drugs stop the parasite from reproducing, giving the animal’s immune system a chance to fight it off. It’s important to treat all animals in the same area since coccidiosis can spread quickly.
However, it’s always good to be cautious. If you’re treating animals with antibiotics, wait a while before processing them for meat. This ensures any medication has time to clear their system.
No products found.
Natural Treatments for Coccidiosis
Many homesteaders, including me, prefer a more natural approach to caring for livestock. Here are some natural remedies that can help:
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Adding a tablespoon of ACV to your animal’s water helps support their digestive system and strengthens their immune system. It’s an easy, natural way to help prevent coccidiosis from taking hold.
- Blackberry Leaves: Fresh or dried, blackberry leaves are known to help prevent diarrhea, which is one of the worst symptoms of coccidiosis. If you have access to blackberry bushes, this is a great addition to your animal’s diet.
- Clean Environment: This is crucial! Regularly cleaning cages, feeders, and water bowls with a mild bleach or vinegar solution helps kill any coccidia spores. If you raise your animals on the ground, this can be tougher, but keeping things clean is your best defense against the spread of the parasite.
Preventing Coccidiosis on Your Homestead
The best way to deal with coccidiosis is to prevent it in the first place! Here are a few tips that can help:
- Raise Animals in Wire Cages: Coccidiosis spreads through poop, so the cleaner you can keep your animals’ living spaces, the better. Wire cages allow waste to fall through, keeping animals off the ground and away from potential infection.
- Rotate Grazing Areas: If your animals live on the ground or in movable pens, keep moving them to fresh areas of grass. This prevents them from constantly being exposed to contaminated soil.
- Boost Their Immune Systems: Just like people, animals need strong immune systems to fight off infections. Feed your animals a balanced diet with plenty of variety. For rabbits, this could include hay, greens, and foraged foods like dandelion or mulberry leaves. The healthier your animals are, the better they can handle any parasites they might encounter.
When Things Get Tough: It’s Part of Homesteading
Raising animals isn’t always easy. You’ll face challenges, and coccidiosis is one of them. Sometimes you’ll lose animals, which is tough, but it’s part of life on the homestead. The key is to learn from each experience and get better at preventing and treating problems like coccidiosis.
Stay strong, stay positive, and keep moving forward! Homesteading is full of rewards, and even when things get tough, it’s always worth it in the end.
Final Thoughts
Coccidiosis might sound scary, but with some prevention and care, it’s something you can manage. Keep your animals healthy, and their environments clean, and be prepared to take action if you spot any signs of trouble. As always, the homesteading life is about adapting, learning, and growing, and this is just one more challenge that you can tackle!
