Apple cider vinegar

[DontesChicks]

when we got our two day-old chicks, we could not find medicated starter crumbles. I have been adding apple cider vinegar to their water because I read that coccidiosis could not survive in an acidic system. They are now two weeks old and seem fine. Do they need the medicated starter?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Raw unfiltered acv might have some probiotic effect but I don't think it kills coccidia. NO supplement should be given more than 10 days in a row. Don't believe everything you read.

Anyways... I NEVER use medicated feed.

Coccidiosis is only an issue when there is an outbreak.. often caused by droppings in the water or shaving being wetter than they appear or by over crowding. Though some people may face special weather or pasture conditions and need to deal with it. Keeping things dry water poo free, and stock density low can go a long way towards a healthy flock.

If you have other chickens... bringing in a clump of dirt with grass and all can help give these guys a little exposure before going out full time. They will also get some grit and have a grand ol' time playing int he dirt.

 

[Harmony Fowl]

You can discontinue it. I use it for brand new chicks as I've found it to be effective at preventing pasty butt, but most of my chicks go outside at a week old and don't get it anymore after that. They continue on just fine.

Oops. I read too fast and answered the wrong question. I never use medicated starter.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Raw unfiltered acv might have some probiotic effect but I don't think it kills coccidia. NO supplement should be given more than 10 days in a row. Don't believe everything you read.

Anyways... I NEVER use medicated feed.

Coccidiosis is only an issue when there is an outbreak.. often caused by droppings in the water or shaving being wetter than they appear or by over crowding. Though some people may face special weather or pasture conditions and need to deal with it. Keeping things dry water poo free, and stock density low can go a long way towards a healthy flock.

If you have other chickens... bringing in a clump of dirt with grass and all can help give these guys a little exposure before going out full time. They will also get some grit and have a grand ol' time playing int he dirt.

x2.

I do have pretty wet weather and bad drainage where I am, so if I see a chick that appears to have coccid, I dose with corid and feed everything medicated starter for the rest of the hatch season. Otherwise, I'll buy the plain stuff. The chicks in the drier years have done fine without medication or supplements (besides vitamin B. Which I give to everything.) Even the tiny OEG bantam chicks do well without medicated.