Getting chicks, medicated crumble versus non-medicated crumble?

[CorralitosSunflower]

I am getting 3 silkies and 2 easter eggers on monday and was struck by what might be a dumb question. I have brooded ducklings before but never chicks. With ducklings you are supposed to use un-medicated crumble. I have raised my ducks organically and would like to do the same with the chicks. Is it neccesary to use medicated feed and if so, why? Are there organic medicated chick crumbles available?

 

[twentynine]

No it is no required to use medicated feed.

Organic-- medicated-- available---- I don't know, I use regular plain old store bought Purina.

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
Ummm, no. Those two words in the description of one product is contradictory.

 

[CorralitosSunflower]

Nayana wrote:
Are there organic medicated chick crumbles available?
Ummm, no. Those two words in the description of one product is contradictory.

Lol, yes this is exactly what I was thinking, but I had to ask!

 

[Olive Hill]

I think we've all had those moments.

FWIW, we raise LOTS of chickens and never use medicated feed. It can be done, just be sure to give them ample space and keep your coop conditions sanitary.

 

[NewHen]

I spent $25 for 10 lbs of organic chick starter + expensive shipping. Then, I spent $7 for 25 lbs of medicated chick starter at the local pet store. The chicks seem to much prefer the cheaper local stuff. Maybe it's fresher? The feed at the petstore all had dates of when it was packed.

 

[CorralitosSunflower]

Yikes, that sounds expensive! Luckily I live in a very organic friendly place, so all our local feed stores carry organic feeds. So I won't have to pay shipping

and they should be fairly fresh. I never have actually checked the dates on my feed before but I do it for our milk so hey why not? Next time I am in (tomorrow) I am going to check and see how long in the tooth it is. Glad to know un-medicated will work fine, I do run a pretty clean place, however my ducks put me to the test