Medicated or non medicated starter feed

[drowe005]

I was wondering whether any of you use medicated or non medicated starter feed for Chukar and ringneck chicks? Some reason I think I'm not getting the right feed from southern states but they swear its right. Its 18% minimum protein and non medicated. I was under the impression that you need to have it around 28% for starting out. Thanks for any comments

 

[ranit]

I use 28% gamebird starter that is medicated with BMD (to prevent enteritis).

18% sounds more like chicken starter to me. Pheasants, quail and chukars need higher protein, preferably animal protein.

 

[Tony K T]

I use unmedicated feed.If you feed them medicated feed,they build up an immune system.If they need medication and you are feeding them medicated feed,it may not work.This is my opionion only, no proven facts,just my opinion.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[drowe005]

I ended up going back to the feed store and they did give me the wrong feed, I was able to get 28% protein sporting bird starter now. Although, they have stopped selling the unmedicated feed, so I had to buy the medicated feed, hopefully this wont cause a problem in the long run. Thanks for the replys

 

[cva34]

You got the right stuff.Medicated or not. Un-medicated is really hard to find around hereTOO...cva34

 

[Birch Run Farm]

Medicated feed protects birds from Coccidiosis, nothing more. It will not harm game birds nor waterfowl. I use it for babies and have never had a problem. Feed it as a wet mash.

 

[drowe005]

Medicated feed protects birds from Coccidiosis, nothing more. It will not harm game birds nor waterfowl. I use it for babies and have never had a problem. Feed it as a wet mash.

How long should I feed the wet mash? The first 2-3 days? or longer than that?

 

[ranit]

I feed the medicated starter because that is what is available to me. Once adults I do not use a medicated. If you go with the wet mash idea be sure and change it often as it will quickly mold in hot weather. Myself, I prefer to just give it to them dry and they seem to do fine.

 

[drowe005]

Sounds good, thanks for the replys. Ive got 1 Chukar in the brooder now that hatched last night and a few more on the way now. In a week Ill have a few more chukars coming and about 18 phesants hatching, Im getting excited now ha