Medicated vs. Non Medicated Chick Feed

[PluckyClucker99]

What is the best? I am going to raise 8 hens and possibly a rooster on my rural farm for eggs and maybe to hatch, and am looking for some suggestions on what would be best for my situation. What does medicated feed provide that non medicated doesn't? My chicks will come with the Marek's disease vaccination, so if that is something that it provides, then it isn't necessary. Thanks for the help!

 

[SaraLee72345]

Medicated feed provides protection from common coccidiosis, and I would highly recommend it.

 

[lazy gardener]

Medicated feed prevents the coccidiosis from reproducing in the chicks body by blocking Thiamine uptake which is an important nutrient. Coccidiosis is naturally in the soil. Chicks that are not immunocompromised will develop a natural immunity/tolerance to the local coccidiosis. I've raised 5 flocks of chickens, and never once had an issue with coccidiosis, and have never used medicated feed. In a commercial situation where the chickens are crowded, stressed, raised in filth, it is probably a necessity. But the BYC flock, where the chicks are well cared for, not stressed, and their immunity is boosted by common easy practices is a different situation. (Early exposure to native soil, ACV and/or fermented feed) IMO, medicated feed does more harm than good. That being said, no matter what you choose to do, you are making the right decision for YOU!!!!

 

[chickencoop789]

Medicated feed prevents the coccidiosis from reproducing in the chicks body by blocking Thiamine uptake which is an important nutrient. Coccidiosis is naturally in the soil. Chicks that are not immunocompromised will develop a natural immunity/tolerance to the local coccidiosis. I've raised 5 flocks of chickens, and never once had an issue with coccidiosis, and have never used medicated feed. In a commercial situation where the chickens are crowded, stressed, raised in filth, it is probably a necessity. But the BYC flock, where the chicks are well cared for, not stressed, and their immunity is boosted by common easy practices is a different situation. (Early exposure to native soil, ACV and/or fermented feed) IMO, medicated feed does more harm than good. That being said, no matter what you choose to do, you are making the right decision for YOU!!!!

I totally agree with this post. I have never used medicate feed. I always give my chicks the Marek's vaccination, but that's it. No other medications. With a small flock like you plan to have, I don't think it would be necessary to use medicated feed.

 

[flyladyrocks]

Lazy Gardener,

I just got 6 chicks and did not get medicated food. By fermented food - I would assume Kefir would be on the list, if so, how old should the chicks be before I give them Kefir? I make kefir often but just was not sure when it was okay to start giving them some.
Thanks for your help.

 

[cjpines]

What is the best? I am going to raise 8 hens and possibly a rooster on my rural farm for eggs and maybe to hatch, and am looking for some suggestions on what would be best for my situation. What does medicated feed provide that non medicated doesn't? My chicks will come with the Marek's disease vaccination, so if that is something that it provides, then it isn't necessary. Thanks for the help!

Where I buy my chicks the hatchery always feeds medicated food. Only for a short time. They said it gives the chicks a healthier start and protection. Plus vac against Marek's.

 

[GOLDENSEABRIGHT]

Medicated feed has its benefits but its sometimes better for the chick to grow its immune system on its own.

 

[danceinchicken]

Medicated feed has its benefits but its sometimes better for the chick to grow its immune system on its own.

I agree............ I use only non-medicated. In the natural world they wouldn't get it and only the healthy and strong survive.

 

[cjpines]

Medicated feed has its benefits but its sometimes better for the chick to grow its immune system on its own.

Since this place is the only place I can buy older birds, 8-12 weeks or chicks without a min. order. I'm stuck with what the hatchery does. But, thank you.

 

[cjpines]

I agree............ I use only non-medicated. In the natural world they wouldn't get it and only the healthy and strong survive.

Since this place is the only place I can buy older birds, 8-12 weeks or chicks without a min. order. I'm stuck with what the hatchery does. But, thank you.