Interesting....New chicks / new advice from the hatchery

[PandoraTaylor]

No one ever told me to give medication in the water. All I give in water to the new chicks is Electrolytes and ACV.
I can't see giving them some drug without knowing for sure they need it for something specific.

 

[donnavee]

Wow, I never added anything to my chicks water when last year and they all did great - 8 laying machines now. I'm getting 6 more in April and don't intend on adding anything unless it's needed. I do have a question about the Terramycin though. I happened to be in a TSC yesterday and picked up a pack of it - located by the chick supplies - just in case I needed it some time in the future. So, from what I read here, I just wasted my money on a worthless anitbiotic. What kind of antibiotic is effective for chickens?

 

[speckledhen]

What would you treat with antibiotic? The only thing I use one for, and I do mean the ONLY things, are internal reproductive infections or bad wounds. Those need something like injectible penicillin, not weak Terramycin. I choose to never, ever treat respiratory and you don't want to get into that habit. A healthy chicken with a strong immune system usually doesn't need it. Since most diseases are herpes types (many of them stay with the bird, even when it appears to recover, and make it a carrier), I choose to euthanize if any of mine ever contract respiratory illness. That is my own choice and I've been hammered for it over and over, but if you start treating respiratory illness, you'll have to do it over and over and over throughout the life of your flock. Not what I want for mine, but it's your choice.

 

[donnavee]

OK, thanks for the info - I'm returning the antibiotic.

 

[catdaddy66]

A wiser member than I has said many times...Do not give antibiotics to healthy chicks! The resistance of bacteria to fight off these meds is startling and getting stronger due to indescriminate use of them.

Also, not every employee at ANY business is an expert at everything. Very few of the employees in TSC or any similar business have any interest in their job beyond completing the workday in one piece! Ask if there is printed material (which there is loads!) to consult on proper care. My local F&S had a one page handout for customers.

 

[kritter11]

Our 'one page handout' we hand out to chick buyers recommends starting them on Terramycin and vitamin / electrolyte solution...but when customers asked me "Do I REALLY need to do this?" I always tell them "No."

The feed company has changed our calf starters as well, removing the 'preventative antibioitics' that were in it before....but now we're supposed to direct people to buy ...you guessed it....Terramycin.... if they feel their calves have bacterial scours.

I am going to take the info sheet I got from Privett in to work tomorrow and show it to my boss, maybe then they'll stop adding the meds to the water....probably not, but I can dream.

 

[speckledhen]

Hope your boss listens to you, kritter! At least he has someone working there who actually has a clue!