Baby chicks: medicated feed after being vaccinated

[hunter1158]

I have purchased more baby chicks from Murray McMurray (because my previous flock was wiped out by a varment) and I got them vaccinated for Marek's and Coccidiosis. I was feeding an all natural starter/grower to my previous flock; however, my local feed store has stopped selling this all natural feed for whatever reason. Will feeding them medicated grower/starter hurt them? If it doesn't, are there any downfalls to feeding it?

 

[hunter1158]

They will be coming in July 6th-8th and I need a relatively quick answer.

 

[Toddrick]

The medicated feed is supposed to nullify the cocci vaccine. Avoid it if possible.

You should be able to use any non-medicated starter/grower/flock-raiser crumbles I think, since they all have 20% protein and the same nutrients.

 

[TRMFAM]

The medicated feed is supposed to nullify the cocci vaccine. Avoid it if possible.

You should be able to use any non-medicated starter/grower/flock-raiser crumbles I think, since they all have 20% protein and the same nutrients.

X2.

You can us the medicated food no problem, just beware that you are essentially no longer lowering the risk of cocci. Of course clean, dry brooder and you probably won't have anything to worry about.

 

[KayTee]

If they are vaccinated against cocci then you must absolutely not give them cocci-medicated starter feed - it acts against the cocci vaccine and negates its protective effect. (The vaccine is a mild form of coccidiosis that does no harm, but the medicated feed is an anti-coccidiosis medication which kills off the "good" cocci vaccine that is in your chicks.)

You still have a few days before your chicks are delivered - can't you go online and order some non-medicated feed from another supplier? Choose one with a guaranteed delivery date - that way you will be certain to have it before your chicks arrive.

 

[Folly's place]

Good advice by all here. Mary