How long to feed Medicated feed

[hunt4meat]

I saw some medicated feed at TSC yesterday, and it was a pretty small bag, for $2 more than the large bag of starter. I think it was to vaccinate against Omphalitis. The bag said to feed it for 6-8 weeks... That seems like a lot of $$$ for feed, how long should 1 feed this to his chicks? I was thinking like maybe a bag or 2 would be plenty, Does that sound good to you?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

You should pick up a 50 lb bag...feed until 8 weeks old then put them on grower. The medicated part of it should be for Cocci
I use the Purina Start and Grow (red bag) How many chicks are you feeding? 50 lb bag runs me about 14.00

 

[hunt4meat]

I guess I should check at the local feed store instead of TSC then. But I will.
Thanks,
Matt

 

[Bullwinkle]

Quote:
Hi Matt:
Hangin Wit My Peeps is correct, the medication is for slowing the growth of coccidia (Coccidiosis). This is a small protozoa that is in most soil and that can grow in the chicks intestines when ingested. The Medication slows the growth of Coccidia so that the chick has time to develop resistance to the protozoa (otherwise they can develop severe ulcers and other problems in their intestines, and even death).

My first question would be... where did the chicks come from. Some chicks may be vaccinated at the hatchery (like mine were last week at McMurrays). I would assume though if they were you'd know. The medication in the feed is not a vaccination (the effects of the medication stop when you stop feeding the medicated starter). Chicks that are vaccinated are actually exposed to a weakened or slightly different strain of Coccidia that allows them to develop resistance (the weakened strain then grows in their intestines -- thats why if they have been vaccinated for Coccidia you can not give medicated feed).

How long should you feed? That may vary depending upon how much and how often your chicks are exposed to the outside. The more the chicks are allowed outside, the more they will likely be exposed. I would agree that 8 weeks is probably good if they have been allowed outside.

 

[hunt4meat]

They will be striclty outside chickens (I use them for eggs and food). They came from my own hens.

Thanks guys, I will get he 50lb bag and feed them that when they go outside.

 

[jimk]

I almost bought the same stuff at TSC. It was in a small bag next to what i assumed were some other premium breeds for show chickens. But, around the corner in the next aisle I also found the 50lb bags of medicated chick feed, and it was only a couple of dollars more than the same size bag of regular crumbles. Keep looking, or ask for help finding the cheaper feed. Good Luck.

 

[hunt4meat]

Quote:
I found it this morning after church. I saw some feeders down the next isle so I went looking, and there it was, 2 more dollars for 40 more pounds of feed, HOLY DOG POO!!! I got it and they are loving it.

Thanks,
Matt