Hatched Today! What to feed and immunize?

[jenblossom]

Two broody hens hatched out three eggs today! Yay! (I actually skipped around the yard!) If I give the babies Chic Medicated Starter Feed, can the mama hens eat that, too? Or, do I have to feed them separately? Do the babies need a medication in their water? What about Marek's disease? Thank you in advance for any help. I need it!

 

[sumi]

Congrats on the chicks! Mom can eat the medicated starter, don't worry. I put some Apple Cider Vinegar in their water (4-5 tablespoons per gallon water) to give the chicks a healthy start and prevent pasty butt. It's good for the hens too! As for Marek's vaccine... I saw thread on it somewhere. I'll have a look...

Here it is: Mareks vaccine

 

[jenblossom]

Thanks. I was concerned about the medicated starter for mom. I have never heard about apple cider for chicks but that, too, is a great suggestion. I found this post concernin the ACV: http://keeping-chickens.me.uk/what-to-keep-in-stock/apple-cider-vinegar. It's crazy how excited I am about these baby chics!! Love it!!

 

[sumi]

I've lost count how many chicks we've hatched and I still get exited about them. Enjoy!

 

[jenblossom]

I used the apple cider vinegar and Mama and chicks are doing great! Thanks so much!

 

[sumi]

It's good stuff, ACV. I wish I started using it sooner with my flock. It's recommended that you give it to your flock for one week each month, like the first week of the month. Just to give your hens a nice little boost. I use that and now and then I'll chop up some Aloe and put that in their water as well. Aloe is full of good stuff too. Here's a thread on ACV if you want to read more about it:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=41321&p=1