hen raising babies born 8/27 when can they go in a protected run?

[gritsar]

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I am keeping my fingers crossed for all the people of the great state of Texas, hoping y'all get some rain and relief from the wildfires soon.

Awhile back I read an article, can't remember where, but probably in Backyard Poultry magazine. It stated that chicks raised by the broody hen within the flock did not need medicated starter if they were being exposed to the hen and other birds droppings, as this allowed the chicks to develop a natural immunity to coccidia. I don't feed medicated to my broody raised chicks for this reason. I feed the whole flock a flockraiser type feed that is appropriate for all ages and is unmedicated.

Still, if you choose the medicated it will do no harm. Mama hen won't be laying while she is with the chicks and even if she was a little bit of medicated feed is not going to hurt anyone, unless they have severe drug allergies.

 

[nana-of-5]

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for us here in Texas with all the fires. Finally I think most are contained.
Went and got regular chick starter this morning and got the chicken tractor they are all in ready so that mommas can get them off the nest when she thinks they are ready. I put hay all on the bottom so that the chicks could have a safe place to fall, in case they decide to get out of the nesting box before I can get back to get them all down tonight. Thanks again for all the advice. I will post pics as soon as I am allowed. Not sure how many posts you have to have.

~~pat~~

 

[gritsar]

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Good luck with the chicks. Have you read this?:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=437370