Medicated feed, is it ever too late?

[GC-Raptor]

All the medicated feed I've ever seen in my state contains Amprolium. Amprolium is an Anticoccidial. It is a Thiamine blocker in Coccidia. The small amount in medicated feed will not cure, it only helps to prevent Coccidiosis.
It's best to start medicated feed with day old chicks. You could start now, but if they have been exposed to Coccidiosis and are sick, you will need a medication.
If your chicks have been vaccinated for Coccidiosis, don't give medicated feed.
If laying hens eat feed with Amprolium, the eggs are safe to eat.
I have read that feed with Amprolium is effective up to 10 weeks. Purina says feed continuously from day old until onset of production. Myself, I would switch to non-medicated feed between 10 and 16 weeks of age. GC

 

[Jen1131]

You can start them on medicated feed, or not. Your choice. I have never used medicated feed, never had issue with coccidiosis. I give my chicks a plug of sod from my yard early in their development so they can be exposed to the cocci in my yard and develop resistance to those cocci. That soil will have an ample supply of cocci as well as beneficial bacteria and fungi to jump start their immune and digestive systems. It will also have other pathogens which will help them to develop a healthy immune response.

what age do you do this? Mine are a week old. is that too soon?