Medicated vs. Non-Medicated Chick Starter

[chickenmadness7]

Lookimg for pros and cons of both. I have three new chicks coming that I would love to have produce organic eggs. I was told that if I gave them medicated starter their eggs in the future would not be organic. I'm new to raising chickens. These are to be a very small flock of back yard pet hens. Thank you!

 

[Percheron chick]

For them to be technically organic you would have to feed them organic feed from day 1. Medicated would never be organic and unless the non medicated is also organic than your chicks can not be truly considered organic. You are never going to be certified organic so it's up to you if you start them organic or just switch them to organic layer as they get closer to laying. The resulting eggs will be mostly organic.

 

[chickenmadness7]

Thank you! I really dont want my chicks to get coccidia. I keep reading horror stories about that on another group for my state. Once they finish the medicated starter and move onto a non-medicated food, the eggs are safe to eat, right?

 

[Percheron chick]

Yes. One 50# bag of medicated starter will last until they are about 15 weeks old. When that bag runs out, switch them to an organic grower or layer and you'll be good.

 

[donrae]

Agree with Percheron, what you're wanting is more "all natural" vs "certified organic". Feeding medicated starter will in no way impact the eggs the bird lays later in life, but may well keep them alive to get them to laying if cocci is an issue in your AO.

 

[chickenmadness7]

Thank you so much. You made my decision easier. I started my newly hatched chicks on medicated chick starter.