Feeding chicks medicated starter feed or not?

[Cstokley46]

I have 23 chicks and I have them on starter feed. I have been reading about medicated starter feed. Do they need it? These are the first chickens to be on my property that I am aware of. I am curious to know if I need to worm them? Vaccinate them and what kind? Also, I have 7 hens and one rooster in a large coop. Do I need to dust the ground or add anything to their feed for worm and parasite prevention?

 

[Duckopolis]

It is advised to feed them medicated chick starter until they are 8 weeks old. I feed my chickens that. It helps protect them from sickness. You don't need to worm them, but it is advised. No, but do you have a yard that is worm inviting?

 

[eenie114]

Did you get your chicks from a hatchery or feed store? If so, you shouldn't need to give them any additional vaccinations.

 

[chickencoop789]

IMO chickens really don't need any additional medication. Just think of all of the wild chickens. Is someone giving them medication and shots? I don't think so. I have never given my chickens any shots, wormers, or medicated feed and they have all turned out just fine (with a 0% loss, I might add).
Some people might not agree with me, but this is just what works for me.

Good luck with your chicks, though!

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Medicated chick starter is completely a personal choice and is not necesaary. Some people use it and some people don't. I would reccommend looking at the medicated starter available to you and seeing what is in it. Most commonly it is Amprolium which is something that can help prevent cocci -- it does not cure or fully prevent cocci. I would recommend reading about exactly what it does and also how common cocci issues are where you live. Then, weigh the options with your overall goals and plan.

I personally do not use a medicated starter.

 

[pdirt]

Cocci...coccidosis is a disease that poultry can get in their intestines that often kills them. IIRC, chicks under the age of 16 weeks are most susceptible. Chicks raised by a mother hen will naturally acquire immunity (or stronger immunity, perhaps not absolute) by being in what we would consider an unclean environment. They eat all sorts of stuff off the ground and are exposed to cocci...they build immunity to it naturally...or not. If you try to raise your chicks in ultra-clean conditions, you're not doing them any favors. Raise them outside, if possible (with heat of course). If that's not possible, bring them a clump of grass complete with dirt after a week or two and let them tear it up, it's hilarious! If you do raise them indoors, of course you don't want them running around in their filth too much and introducing them to outdoor things (leaves, grass clumps, dirt, gravel, etc.) Give them probiotics, such as yogurt or homemade saltless sauerkraut to boost their gut health and overall immunity. I'm not 100% sure about chickens, but something along the lines of 70-80% of humans' immune system is in the lymph tissues in and around the intestines.

But like ChickensRDinos said, it's personal preference. We don't do medicated feed largely because we don't think that pharmaceutical medicines are the best first choice. I would use such medicine if it might save a life, but not to prevent a disease. That said, we've never medicated any of our birds but I do have Corid on hand should signs of cocci show up in an adult bird. By signs of symptoms, it's likely too late, but I would try the Corid to see if it could help. For prevention, good nutrition, clean air and appropriate introduction to various pest and diseases. The best advice I have heard on worms is don't treat unless you have sign of worms. Ask other chicken farmers around you if they have ever verified a worm problem or not. Some folks worm their folks whether they need it or not...I don't agree with this philosophy, but its their business, not mine. Some folks say that worms are a natural part of a chicken's life and it's only if they get out of hand do they become a problem. Supposedly some foods like pumpkins seeds, crushed red pepper and garlic have some effect on controlling worms (but not clearing them all). We feed these foods occasionally...heck it's good food rather than some questionable toxic medicine.

Vaccinations, well that's a hot topic in the media right now. People are furious on both sides of the issue. If we ever have kids, we will certainly look at the vaccination issue more closely, but for now, for our chickens, we don't vaccinate. And Marek's is known around here...our neighbor with 100+ chickens about 1/2 mile down the road lost 70% of her flock a few years ago to Marek's. But 30% survived (with presumed Marek's immunity) and those birds then became her breeding stock...and she still hasn't vaccinated. It's called the "natural selection" method, aka, survival of the fittest. The wind sometimes blows in our direction from her place and we have been to her farm several times, so there's a pretty good chance we have brought Marek's to our own flock. So far, so good. Perhaps they have the immunity.

 

[flickerloo]

I have six chicks, not doing medicated feed. I add Chick Booster to their water though, and it contains probiotics.

 

[Spongegirl]

when you say dusting the ground...think if you tracked that in to your house from your boots or shoes. The chickens will also eat that. I think pesticides are a huge mistake when raising chickens. I guess sometimes it may be necessary but no matter how you look at it, they are carcinogenic. There are lots of ideas to think of when it comes to natural ways to prevent pests. Lots and lots!

 

[Cstokley46]

Thank all of you for your input. It is truly appreciated