do or dont medicate new guinea fowl

[sillyfab]

I have baby keets purchased from our farm feed store and they suggested not to give them medicated starter ... why is that, and I would like to make sure they do not have anything to put into the environment since these will be free ranging . What do I treat them to be sure they do not have Coccidiosis or any other yuk to pass on . i was told to give them apple cider vinegar but I dont feel that is is good enough

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have baby keets purchased from our farm feed store and they suggested not to give them medicated starter ... why is that, and I would like to make sure they do not have anything to put into the environment since these will be free ranging . What do I treat them to be sure they do not have Coccidiosis or any other yuk to pass on . i was told to give them apple cider vinegar but I dont feel that is is good enough

Hi.

So I know coccidia are in EVERY single chicken poo. Medicated feed works by blocking thiamine to SLOW the growth of the cocci (not to kill it) while chicks develop a LITTLE more immunity... which are NOT a problem unless allowed to bloom out of control... usually in warm/humid environments like that of a brooder.

Now guinea... are they considered a game bird? I know quail and turkey need a higher protein then chick starter offers.

Regarding WHY they feed store told you not to go with medicated... could be a personal preference... or maybe they know something about keets that I don't. Like their protein needs.

What IS GOOD ENOUGH... is MAKING sure your bedding is dry and water is poo free. Not over crowding your brooder. Poo in the water... fastest way to spread coccidiosis.

I don't use medicated starter... because I'm not raising hundreds of birds in poor conditions. I do have Corid on hand... which is the same active ingredient as medicated starter (most), in case I do need to treat... one year I did as there were special pasture conditions.

Now I know the reason they wouldn't suggest medicated starter for duck would be because it doesn't have enough niacin in it, and has nothing to do with the medicated part.

Raw acv.... meh... some people use it. It adds probiotics. If you like to or want to... fine. If your birds on in good condition... it won't make much difference IMO.

Hope your adventure is fantastic!

 

[sillyfab]

Hi.

So I know coccidia are in EVERY single chicken poo. Medicated feed works by blocking thiamine to SLOW the growth of the cocci (not to kill it) while chicks develop a LITTLE more immunity... which are NOT a problem unless allowed to bloom out of control... usually in warm/humid environments like that of a brooder.

Now guinea... are they considered a game bird? I know quail and turkey need a higher protein then chick starter offers.

Regarding WHY they feed store told you not to go with medicated... could be a personal preference... or maybe they know something about keets that I don't. Like their protein needs.

What IS GOOD ENOUGH... is MAKING sure your bedding is dry and water is poo free. Not over crowding your brooder. Poo in the water... fastest way to spread coccidiosis.

I don't use medicated starter... because I'm not raising hundreds of birds in poor conditions. I do have Corid on hand... which is the same active ingredient as medicated starter (most), in case I do need to treat... one year I did as there were special pasture conditions.

Now I know the reason they wouldn't suggest medicated starter for duck would be because it doesn't have enough niacin in it, and has nothing to do with the medicated part.

Raw acv.... meh... some people use it. It adds probiotics. If you like to or want to... fine. If your birds on in good condition... it won't make much difference IMO.

Hope your adventure is fantastic!

Thank you for this very informed answer. The feed they provided proved to large for the babies. They just did not seem to eat... i made the move to chop in finer and boy did they go to town. Soooo i not too sure I am comfortable with the feed stores answer in the first place since i did mention the crumbles looked large for such tiny babies. .I will do some more research. Backwards as usual but I will get their eventually especially with such a wonderful resource as this group.. Thanks again

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I do crush my crumbles a little extra for my bantams after it was suggested since I had lost so many from shipping. It made a huge difference. Good job paying attention.

Getting the correct protein amount seems to be key for most species.

It's always good to get a second opinion. Many feed store employees are well intention-ed but give BAD advice. I don't actually know if that is the case here or not... But BYC did indeed change my life!

I noticed you have this thread started in "raising baby chicks", I wonder if you get more good answers if was listed under "other fowl"? I have zero guinea experience.