Feed change

[3KillerBs]

I have used small amounts of sod/soil for early exposure. My next brood will be outside so I may use medicated, but as I understand the medicated won't harm adults so I'd still be feeding all of them the same.

Last I looked, the chick starter was more expensive so I don't want to feed it to 21 adults as well as the chicks.

 

[Brooks_]

Last I looked, the chick starter was more expensive so I don't want to feed it to 21 adults as well as the chicks.

I didn't think that far ahead. It would be more $, but could be fed. I'll probably end up taking chances with all on FR.

 

[3KillerBs]

I didn't think that far ahead. It would be more $, but could be fed. I'll probably end up taking chances with all on FR.

There are always tradeoffs.

 

[Brooks_]

There are always tradeoffs.

Yep, and it will also greatly depend on what's available at the time.

Protein, freshness, price.

 

[Poodlemum]

I have those breeds and it might be a while til they start laying, they’re quite slow maturing. My BCM is still very immature and the a few Wyandottes started laying last week around 6 months old. Not all are even close to laying, super tiny pale combs and no wattles. The Jersey Giants are so reliable after they start though!

 

[Poodlemum]

I personally like to feed one bag of medicated chick starter before switching to the all-flock crumble.

My reasoning is that I make no attempt to create a sterile environment for my chicks -- brooding outdoors (and sometimes in the run), makes that impossible. The brooder isn't *dirty*, but the chicks will be exposed to cocci right away so I figure that the bag of medicated feed gives them an edge getting going.

What is your preference over the cocci spray or medicated feed? We’re going to brood outside with the next batch and I know we have it in our yard

 

[3KillerBs]

What is your preference over the cocci spray or medicated feed? We’re going to brood outside with the next batch and I know we have it in our yard

For me, the medicated feed is the simplest.

I tend to lean towards practices that are lower-input in general.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have used small amounts of sod/soil for early exposure. My next brood will be outside so I may use medicated, but as I understand the medicated won't harm adults so I'd still be feeding all of them the same.

I use early exposure via bedding as well (chicks are brooded on the run floor), and so far that's worked fine for me. I haven't ever used medicated feed, but I do make sure I have Corid on hand just in case.

 

[Poodlemum]

For me, the medicated feed is the simplest.

I tend to lean towards practices that are lower-input in general.

Thank you! I definitely need the easiest option, my brain is just too overwhelmed these days (kids, the chickies are my therapy). Plus I can never stay away from those darn chick bins