Med food or not??? Please help!

[Sunflower]

We have 4 1-month old chicks. We have added 2 more 3-week old chicks. Then we added 2 more 2-week old chicks and 2 more week old chicks just the other day. (We just couldn't stop at the first 4) They are leghorns, barred rocks, Lakenvelders and bantam.
We are about out of the medicated chick starter. The guy at the feed store told us to get 50 lbs of 20% protein medicated starter and he told us to keep them on it for the first year. I don't know if the chicks are vacinated.
I heard that you should not feed medicated feed past 8 weeks old. I am not sure what to do. Any advise anyone?? We are very concerned

 

[MoonGoddess]

I have heard conflicting advice on this. I would say it's a matter of choice. I hear from some that if you clean the brooder often and keep their food and water bowls very clean, you reduce the chances of them getting sick.
My own personal opinion is always better safe then sorry. If you have chicks that aren't 8 weeks, I would probably continue the medicated stuff if I wasn't sure they were vaccinated.
But then as I stated, I am always the one who is particularly overprotective.

 

[Sunflower]

Thanks. I have heard the same conflicting advice. I don't want to make them sick. We are probably over-protective to a fault too.
Thanks so much, from a worried momma.

 

[allen wranch]

Don't keep the birds on starter for a year. They need to switch to layer feed at about 18-20 weeks so they will have the extra calcium needed for their eggs.

 

[Sunflower]

Thanks so much for all your help. I truly appreciate it.