Medicated feed questions

[ChickyMama229]

Hi everyone! We just got home with 7 new little chicks. We bought them electrolytes and probiotics. We mixed that into their water and gave them a seperate little container of water like the directions said. But when we bought the feed, we didn't look at it, and it's Medicated. Does anyone know if we should take them off of the electrolytes and probiotics? I'd prefer to do that since we bought 50 pounds of the feed. Thank you in a advance! Also, can the ducklings eat it too?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The feed is medicated for coccidiosis, so it has no interaction with the other stuff which isn't necessary when you feed a quality feed. I prefer fresh clean water so they drink enough. Some won't drink with extra stuff in the water so you should always provide a clean source.

Duckling can eat the medicated feed too. I believe it's recommended to feed it for 6-8 weeks, though I don't use medicated.

 

[ChickyMama229]

The feed is medicated for coccidiosis, so it has no interaction with the other stuff which isn't necessary when you feed a quality feed. I prefer fresh clean water so they drink enough. Some won't drink with extra stuff in the water so you should always provide a clean source.

Duckling can eat the medicated feed too. I believe it's recommended to feed it for 6-8 weeks, though I don't use medicated.

So there is no problem with the drinking the electrolytes, probiotics and eating the medicated feed? And I'm glad that the ducklings can eat it too. We ordered them from metzerfarms.com, and they will be arriving on Wednesday. Thank you for your help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Should be no problems.

 

[ChickyMama229]

Should be no problems.

okee dokee! thanks so much!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have read that medicated feed has no benefit after 10 weeks, but I've fed it for 16 weeks, before I mixed it 50/50 with layers pellets, for 2 weeks, then straight layers pellets. That's before I read it's not effective after 10 weeks. It says on the tag of Purina Start & Grow medicated, (Feed continuously from day old until onset of production). I will switch to non medicated at 10 weeks for my next flock.
It's safe to give probiotics and vitamins with medicated feed. I have read vitamins should only be given for up to 10 days. If you buy a brand name feed with prebiotics and probiotics in the formula, you don't have to add it. I have never given vitamins or probiotics to my chicks.
If you buy fresh feed and use within a couple of months and don't give excessive treats. No more than 10% treats, 90% feed. They will get all they need to stay healthy. GC

 

[ChickyMama229]

I have read that medicated feed has no benefit after 10 weeks, but I've fed it for 16 weeks, before I mixed it 50/50 with layers pellets, for 2 weeks, then straight layers pellets. That's before I read it's not effective after 10 weeks. It says on the tag of Purina Start & Grow medicated, (Feed continuously from day old until onset of production). I will switch to non medicated at 10 weeks for my next flock.
It's safe to give probiotics and vitamins with medicated feed. I have read vitamins should only be given for up to 10 days. If you buy a brand name feed with prebiotics and probiotics in the formula, you don't have to add it. I have never given vitamins or probiotics to my chicks.
If you buy fresh feed and use within a couple of months and don't give excessive treats. No more than 10% treats, 90% feed. They will get all they need to stay healthy. GC

Wow thanks for all that info! I'll definitely keep all this in mind. I hope they all do well! Thanks again!