A little confused

[Vikinglike]

I’m picking up my 12 chicks on Monday!
I think I’m good with the brooder etc..
However, regarding feeding and nutrition....
They are getting the “shot” at the hatchery; am I ok feeding the “non-medicated” chick feed? Is organic feed ok?
Do I need to provide and “chick grit”?
What about adding the electrolyte and probiotics packets to their water, that I see at the store?
Thanks!!!!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

You’ll want the medicated chick feed as the vaccine is probably for Mareks disease and not cocci. Give chit grit the second week if you plan on feeding treats. Otherwise they don’t need it since chick feed is soft enough to not need it. Provide sav-a-chick when you first get them.

 

[Vikinglike]

Thanks!!!
How long would I feed the medicated feed?
And what is a good treat for a chick?
Thank you!!!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Hard boiled egg is a good treat as is scrambled egg. I kept mine on medicated until I switched to my layer blend.

 

[chickens really]

What were they vaccinated for..If a coccidiosis vaccine was given then don't use medicated starter. They don't require Grit unless feeding other things. Fresh water a must.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Medicated feed is your choice... I personally don't use it. If the chicks are getting a coccidiosis vaccine then do NOT use medicated feed as they'll negate each other.

I feed organic and don't think I've ever seen medicated organic feed. Again that's up to you and how you feel about organic vs. conventional.

I provide chick grit from the start. If you're only feeding chick feed it's not necessary but I like to start up treats to help train them early.

Probiotic, vitamin, electrolytes are a good idea to help give the chicks a boost right when you get them as shipping is stressful. I only supplement for a few days and if there's no obvious issues after that, there's no need to continue them on it.

 

[chickens really]

Probiotics are for the first drink only because it can be detrimental on the heart.

 

[paneubert]

Probiotics are for the first drink only because it can be detrimental on the heart.

Electrolytes are what you mean, not Probiotics. Probiotics are for gut health and (should be) strains of bacteria and yeast. Electrolytes are for salts (mostly).

 

[chickens really]

Electrolytes are what you mean, not Probiotics. Probiotics are for gut health and (should be) strains of bacteria and yeast. Electrolytes are for salts (mostly).

Yes...Exactly thanks for the correction and they don't need either. Proper feed and water.

 

[aart]

They are getting the “shot” at the hatchery

You need to know what 'shot'.

IMO, they don't need anything but a good quality chick starter and plain fresh water.

But having a coccidiosis treatment, Poultry Nutri-Drench vitamins, and Sav-A-Chick electrolytes/vitamins on hand is good just in case you might need them.