Concerning medicated feed and immunity building

[blondiebee181]

Hi, so I am new to the site and new to chick raising but I've been researching like mad to make sure I'm doing everything right. I have a couple questions that I can't seem to find a straight answer about. Okay so yesterday I went to the feed store and finally purchased 4 chicks and a duck. So, I have heard that you should not feed ducks medicated chick feed so I have all of them on flock raiser start. Now, what I want to know is, how likely will it be that they will contract cocciciosis? It is a fairly small flock, and I have been doing a good job keeping it clean and dry, but I would hate for them to fall ill.
Secondly, will they still build up a natural immunity even when they don't get medicated feed? I would like to take them outside to play in a few weeks but I don't want that to make them sick, and I'm not positive what age will be the safest to take them out...help!

 

[Erica]

hi blondiebee181,

I just did a detection/prevention rant on another thread here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/640517/detecting-coccidiosis-early

Basically I describe how to approach non-medicated chick raising. It might be a bit detailed for you, but I hope it helps.

The key to it is not suddenly exposing them to a whole lot of the parasite at once. This can happen if you brood on fresh litter then put the birds out on garden soil, or it can happen in a brooder when damp warm conditions (e.g. under a heat lamp with spilled water) allow the parasite numbers to increase dramatically.

Kefir or lightly soured milk (even yoghurt) can be useful preventives.

Good luck,
Erica

 

[AllTheseCreatures]

I'm sure they'll be exposed to it and most chicks can fight it. In my experience Erica is spot on. I think you're on the right track.

I don't take chicks outside till they have enough feathers to keep their core warm. When I take them outside I make sure the day is warm, the sun is bright and the wind is still.

 

[blondiebee181]

Thanks for the advice guys, I just have 2 further small questions...the brooder is a box inside with a paper towel bottom (there are pine shavings under it but the duck decided to try eating them, hence the towel covering) So would it be a good idea to sprinkle some of the dirt from where the coop will be kept in the brooder? Also when should I attempt this? I know they are only a few days old as of yet because a couple still have their egg teeth. Along the same line, when should I give them preventatives like yogurt? Is there a certain kind? And this may sound funny but I read that Erica recommends sour milk...does that just mean out-dated milk? Is there any other preventatives that are good? Thanks guys, sorry it turned into more than 2 questions...

 

[blondiebee181]

Also, almost everything I am reading says that Amprolium is fine for ducks...just not necessary...i'm still thinking about getting a little medicated feed for the chicks, maybe I'm overreacting, I just don't wanna screw up at this because I'm new at it. I also considered just getting a bottle of Corid and waiting until they show signs of illness....ugh sorry if I'm annoying worrying about it. Thanks.