Medicated starter feed for 5-week old chicks?

[Librarycat28]

I have three chicks who are about 5 weeks old. I'm not sure if I should start feeding them medicated feed to protect against coccidiosis. They were outside for about 2 weeks before I picked them up last week. The man who sells them does not vaccinate or feed them medicated feed before selling them because he has a few customers who want to raise organic chickens. I already have non-medicated starter feed for them but I thought about mixing it with medicated feed just to be on the safe side?

I'm new to backyard chickens and really want them to survive! I was not aware of medicated feed until last week. I thought they would be vaccinated when I got them or I could take them to a local vet and have them vaccinated.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Very few chicks are vaccinated for coccidiosis. Most of the vaccinated chicks are for Marek's disease.

I wouldn't worry about it unless they show symptoms. They've been exposed already and are now developing resistance.
Keeping their bedding bone dry is your best defense.
I've only fed medicated feed once in my life and I sometimes raise 2 batches of chicks per month.

 

[Clucked Up]

Thanks Canoe-You! Cluck on!

... just joking ...