are you using a non-medicated starter?

[A.T. Hagan]

I would listen to Speckled Hen.

If I were new to keeping chickens then I'd use the medicated feed. In a perfect world it would not be necessary. In a perfect world our chicks would not get coccidiosis either. If they do get it you'll not only have to medicate them, but chances are they'll suffer permanent harm as many people do not recognize it for what it is before it's far advanced.

Once you get some experience then you'll be in a better position to know whether you want to use it or not. Different climates, different types of ground makes a big difference on whether it's a serious problem for your area or not. Coccidiosis is more of a management problem than anything, but if you're new to birds you may not yet have the experience to know if you're doing it right.

.....Alan.

 

[alpinefarm]

One can certainly compromise with the differing philosophies and feed both the commercial/medicated *and* natural grains/seeds/yoghurt/greens.
Only, you will likely find that your chicks will quickly refuse the chemical feed...if they have a choice in the matter.

 

[attached_mama]

Thanks for this thread, I was JUST coming to ask this question. I just bought a 50# bag on non-medicated, and had to pay MORE for the non. Weird.

 

[midwife mama]

Thanks everyone for your input. It is a lot to consider and right now I just don't have the time to sit on the computer for hours sorting through the various opinions, "facts," and the like. I had no idea this was something I'd need to consider until I was in the store getting my chicks.

 

[underground chickenman]

I don't use medicated feed. I give my clean water, Purina starter feed, clean litter after the first two or three days on paper towels (that get changed regularly) and some plain lowfat yogurt about once per week. No problems at all.

UGCM

 

[speckledhen]

Just realized the OP is in Montana. I'd think you wouldn't have the cocci problem there in your dry climate like we do here in the soupy South.

 

[l'abeille]

I use organic (non-medicated) and deep litter (6-8"). I also give them plain yogurt about once a week. Sprinkle cornmeal on top to get them to try it. Later on they will go nuts for it. Have fun!

 

[mboreham1]

i use non medicated, wild chickens dont have medicated feed. i havent done the yogurt thing, i think they would like it though, they eat anything!

 

[speckledhen]

My chicks raised by broody hens who are on the ground in their first week of life never get cocci. They never have an overload and they eat some of their moms poop, which is almost like a vaccination. She is already immune, so that may be the key. That is why wild chickens never get cocci. Raised artificially in a brooder, they are subject to worse things, IMO.

 

[BriteChicken]

Quote:
You don't need to grind it as long as you give them grit free choice they should be fine... My way of thinking is mother nature doesn't grind it...

and if your going to feed them home-made whole grain might as well start'em as chicks especially if your feed store only sells medicated also the antibiotics in it can barely kill anything I'd rather read a chicken book or two and post symtoms and remedies up on BYC if they get anything JMO though