Jumed in with both feet

[bigern26]

Well I did it!! I just ordered 27 chicks from Meyer Hatchery. 3 Easter Eggers, 3 RIRs, 3 Barred Rock and 18 Broilers.
I should have the coop (separated into 2 coops) and 2 runs done next week.

I am building my brooding boxes this weekend.

My plan is to have 2 brooding boxes. 1 for the laying chicks and 1 for the meat chicks.

So I am gathering the things I need before they get here.
my list includes:
2 feeders
2 waterers
2 heat lamps
Chick Grit
Mealworm treats
18% medicated feed ( for the layers)

I do not see 20% medicated starter for the Meat birds
I will look at Farm & Fleet or stop at a feed mill

I will leave the meat chicks in the brooder for 3 weeks and the Laying chicks in the brooder for 6 weeks then put
them in the coops. At that time change them over to their grower feeds.

Is there anything else that I should have on hand just because or for emergencies/sickness?
Does my plan sound good? These are out first chicks ever and I just want to do my best.

 

[bigern26]

Went and got everything today. I ended up buying 22% protein starter/grower for the broilers. I just don't see that it is medicated. Should I feed them medicated 17% starter for a week or 2?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Medicated chick feed controls coccidia, which is a real problem in some areas and not in others. You find out the hard way if your ground is severely infested or not, if your chicks get sick/ die of the parasite. It's safest to feed it for six weeks or so, and then gradually shift to unmedicated grower feed. I feed Flock Raiser here, and have been blessed with no coccidia problems. It's 20% protein, fine for all the birds, with oyster shell on the side for laying hens. Send pictures! Mary

 

[bigern26]

I am feeding medicated 18% to the layers for the fist 6 weeks but could not find any higher protein medicated for my broilers.
I will definitely be posting pics as soon as they arrive. We are so excited. My daughter is getting antsy.

 

[Tomhusker]

I've never fed medicated feed to my chicks. If you are ordering from a hatchery pay the extra money for the vaccination.