Hope someone else gives you an answer, but all my chicks had in their water was some sugar and that for only a couple days. You should get a response from someone who knows something soon.
i'm not really a expert but you probably did what i did and listened to the 18 year old at TSC. Sugar in water is all you need unless you feel like one is getting sick.
Healthy chicks do not need anything in their water. They just need clean fresh water. If you have a weak chick you might consider some sugar water but even it's not necessary with strong chicks, again just need clean fresh water. Using antibiotics when unnecessary can render them ineffective if and when you do need them in the future. Plus, it's how super bugs are created. ETA: In addition a single antibiotic like duramycin or tetracycline is not a magic fix all. Certain antibiotics work for certain illnesses and are useless on others. Please don't give your healthy chicks antibiotics.
Quote:They got me too, but look at it this way if they get sick now you have it on hand. I think I gave mine antibitoics for about 2 weeks but they are thriving and all healthy.
Healthy chicks do not need antbiotics. TSC just makes more sales by lying to their customers that way.
Also, if you go to TSC and get the chicken order form/pamphlet, they have it in the brooding instructions to give chicks Duramycin from day one. O boy, not good. Antibiotics are for sick chicks. not healthy ones. Similarly to humans. Ryan