So when one orders meat birds, do you get them vaccinated or use medicated starter feed? If so, when do you switch over to the broiler feed? I'd rather not get them vaccinated, but they will be shipping with other chicks. Not sure if that's an issue or not. Thanks!
I have always just used medicated starter for the first couple bags of feed, then switch to the non med stuff, then about two weeks before sending them to the butcher they get the finisher feed to fatten them up. These are rough estimates only because I go by bag, not by weeks. At the cost of feed, I do not waste any if I can help it. The only exception is if I have eggs in the incubator, I may hold onto some medicated starter so I have it for them when they hatch. This has worked for me.
I prefer vaccine and medication free meat on my table. I do it the old fashioned way, take precautions keeping off the dirt and dry, introducing soil slowly and letting them build a natural immune system.
Quote:Ditto- I'd rather lose a couple birds than feed my kid chicken that "probably" is safe to eat. As far as meaties go, if you're going to medicate anyway, what's the point in even growing your own??