Medicated or unmedicated for broody hatched chicks?

[gritsar]

I am eagerly anticipating my broody SF Doe hatching her chicks this coming week. In preparation for there being babies in the coop soon, I intend to change the whole flock in that coop over to some type of flock raiser in a few days. Of course my hens have an oyster shell dispenser in the coop.

Then I got to thinking. All my hatchery chicks have been started on medicated chick starter, because of our moistm humid enviroment. Shouldn't my brooder hatched chicks have medicated starter too?

 

[Judy]

Good question. My brooder raised chicks also got medicated. My broody raised chicks get unmedicated because the layers are eating it, too. So far no cocci illness, that I have identified, anyway. They do get some immunity from eating mama's poop, I have read. Whether I'm doing the smart thing, I have no idea.

 

[NonnasBabies]

I usually start my chicks on Medicated feed too. But I didn't buy medicated when I bought the feed for my broody and chicks. So far their fine and turned 4 weeks this weekend!!

 

[NYREDS]

If they're to be raised in a brooder [wire floored] they'll need medicated feed. if the hen will be brooding them on a solid floor they won't. They will be exposed to Cocci in the hen's droppings & will develop a natural immunity.

SF Doe ??????​

 

[Pinky]

When I let my broody raise chicks I don't give them medicated food either because my other chickens try to eat it too. So far I have had five nests hatched by broodys and none of the chicks have had any problem with the non medicated food they eat.

 

[PepsNick]

I rarely hear about broody hatches chicks getting cocci, as long as you keep the environment dry. Plus, I wouldn't want the broody eating the medicated.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:

Sorry NYREDS, that was a little confusing wasn't it? She's a SF pullet named Doe. Her SF sisters are Rae and Me. Yeah I know, pretty cheesy, but I running out of ideas.

Thanks y'all. Unmedicated it will be.