Feed-Medicated or Non-Medicated

[Dirty Dozen]

Anybody have views on medicated or non-medicated chick-grower? I know some people don't feed medicated. I hate having different foods for different stages I have. And then sometimes the adults eat it too! Does it matter? Thanx!

 

[speckledhen]

It really may not matter alot, depending on the load of oocycsts in your soil. Medicated (with coccidiostat) is no guarantee that they will not get cocci--trust me, I know. And if you are in a wet area or have a prolonged period of rainy weather, that makes it worse. I end up treating almost every batch of chicks that hits the ground here, even when they've been on medicated feed, so you can feed either, but watch for signs of their systems being overwhelmed by oocycsts in the soil and treat with Corid. It won't hurt adults to get some medicated feed, but starter is more expensive than other feeds, normally, and it will cost you more if they eat it all themselves.

The least likely to contract cocci here are the chicks with broody hens. Either they eat mama's poop and get antibodies from that or they are taught to eat things on the ground that prevent it, I'm just not sure. But my broody babies rarely have to be treated for cocci.

 

[Dirty Dozen]

Thanx for the info! Never really thought about what the medicated was actually for. I will be keeping these inside for the 1st 8 weeks anyway, so I guess I don't need it. thanx again!

 

[<3<3 I <3 Chickens <3<3]

The medicated-nonmedicated this is more would you rather have organic eggs. My chickens also eat eachother's food and are fine! We have ben out of babby food for a couple of days, we just gave them big chicken food!

 

[cmom]

I use medicated Starter/Grower. I have with all of my chicks. If I have any left over when I get the first egg, I mix it with the Layer feed. I haven't had any problems.

 

[bluemoonluck]

I got medicated for my chicks (which will be here this week!!!).... But it wasn't really a decision on my part. The feed store that I went to only carries medicated chick starter.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I always raise mine on Medicated Starter/Grower.

 

[daryl]

non -medacated for me ,keeping a clean coop has worked so far.11 week old 12 RIR

 

[MagsC]

I use medicated starter/grower here.

 

[speckledhen]

The amprolium in the medicated feed is to help the oocycts in the soil not overwhelm their systems before they can handle them. No matter how clean your coop is, no matter if you feed medicated feed as I always have, chicks can still have coccidiosis. Dry parts of the country don't seem to have the issues with it that we do here in the South. No matter which feed you give your chicks, always keep an eye out for signs of cocci.