Medicated vs Non-Medicated Feed

[speckledhen]

Thanks! This is going to make life a lot simpler.

Yes, it will! Simple is good! I think folks make managing chickens harder than it has to be, generally. Simplifying everything means you will not be so stressed out over it in the long run, I think.

ETA: I have no issue with folks who just feel they must use medicated feed, but honestly, it is just unnecessary. And since I quit using it, I actually see less cocci than when I did use it.

 

[TwoCrows]

@TwoCrows question for you is corid ok to give to quail? i have mixed birds in my coop and its been dreadfully rainy and the chicks were looking haggered so i mixed up some corid but was unsure if the quail would be fine with it too

Absolutely! Quail are highly susceptible to Cocci, way more than chicken chicks. Just mix it up the exact same way you would for chickens.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

Absolutely! Quail are highly susceptible to Cocci, way more than chicken chicks. Just mix it up the exact same way you would for chickens.

Awesome! (well not about the cocci) thanks for the info!!

 

[lazy gardener]

X2 I agree with you here on this. Folks that have used medicated feed but have never seen a case of Cocci in their chicks, it probably has nothing to do with the feed. Not that medicated feed doesn't work period, as it most likely does in mild cases? But possiblely these chicks were never going to get it due to brooder conditions, stronger chicks, etc... ?

I am no expert on this but why use it if in the end the bird is going to need to develop immunity at some point in their lives. The medicated feed is not some sort of permanent inoculation in that they will never contract cocci. In the near future their bodies will need to become immune.

In my humble opinion, if anything, medicated feed might weaken their immune systems? I would think a baby's body is genetically programmed at those first few days/weeks to deal with things quick so as to survive. This "window of opportunity" on the speedy reaction from the immune system could close, making the immunity sluggish when you keep it from doing it's job, as with medicated feed?

Nature has much of this worked out already. Chicks raised by broodies are known to be healthier...in contact with the dirt, contact with outside organisms, bacterias, other chickens, always on new ground, etc... But when we stuff hatchery chicks in a tiny space, stuff happens. LOL

All this being said...I am not knocking Medicated Feed and for newbies that have never kept chickens and have just brought home a box of peepers from the feed store, using Medicated Feed might be a good idea. I personally don't use it.

Agreed. From my reading, that window of opportunity lasts 2 weeks from hatch date. I jump right on top of that by giving my chicks a plug of sod or a shovel full of soil from my yard. Generally, they get that within the first several days. As soon as they are eating their crumble well, they get sod, grit and soil. I am also a firm believer in fermented feed. Last season, I had a difficult hatch, and there were some chicks from shipped eggs who were acting fine, but their poo was not well formed. It was often yellow and foamy. I started FF and within 48 hours their poo was well formed, and indistinguishable from that of the rest of the brood.

Perfect. Are they unhappy about the cold? I have a Premier 1 hot plate and they don't seem to use it anymore, but the heat in my house is still set for 66 since it's been a cold spring. How do I slowly adjust them to the change from 66 degrees to 50 degrees?

No need to acclimate them in this case. They are old enough and will do fine.

My 4 chicks are 2 weeks old - I've had the heat light on constantly - the temps are in the low 90s today and tomorrow with humidity - can I unplug the light during the day - they are in a metal trowel - I raised the light this morning and will be buying a lower wattage heat bulb today - yesterday the chicks were hot, hiding behind the water cooler - I unplipugged the light for a couple hours but turned it back on before going to bed. Thank you for any input.

In your case, I'd be more concerned about the chicks being overheated. Down is a poor insulator, does not provide the protection of feathers. (protection from both HEAT and COLD. IMO, the general recommendation for the 5* rule for heat lamp brooded chicks is too much heat. (but, they have to start somewhere with something for a recommendation.) By 2 weeks, no matter what is used for a brooder, it's time to start weaning those chicks from the heat, unless they are being brooded in freezing temps. Mama broody has her chicks running around from the age of 48 hours in what ever the ambient temp happens to be. I've seen pics of chicks romping in the snow with Mama.

 

[SueT]

My chicks are now 7 weeks old and have have had access to the run for 2 whole weeks. If they haven't gotten sick from cocci by now, could we assume they are out of the woods? I did re watch your video and heard you say 10-12 weeks.
I planned to follow recommendations to have Corid on hand, just in case, but went to every farm store in 3 counties, and no one has it.

 

[speckledhen]

My chicks are now 7 weeks old and have have had access to the run for 2 whole weeks. If they haven't gotten sick from cocci by now, could we assume they are out of the woods? I did re watch your video and heard you say 10-12 weeks.
I planned to follow recommendations to have Corid on hand, just in case, but went to every farm store in 3 counties, and no one has it.

No, they are not out of the woods just yet. I'd keep an eye out. They are still in the age range where cocci most often occurs, so I'd be vigilant another three to four weeks or so, then you can probably relax a bit on that front. You can order Corid or Cocci-Rid (same ingredient) online. Seems crazy that no feed stores have it in your area because anyone who has chicks should have it on hand.

Here is some online:
https://www.jefferspet.com/products/corid-20-soluble-powder-10oz

And cheaper with free shipping
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Corid+powder

 

[SueT]

Thanks.....I was reading info on the Corid on Amazon and see it's for various livestock not just chickens...I was only looking in the chicken aisles. They may all have it elsewhere, I didn't ask....I think I'll go back to our closest store today.

 

[Chicken/Bantam lover!]

Yay!
I think non-medicated is the best!
I'm glad you are spreading the word

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks.....I was reading info on the Corid on Amazon and see it's for various livestock not just chickens...I was only looking in the chicken aisles. They may all have it elsewhere, I didn't ask....I think I'll go back to our closest store today.

Yeah, I'd ask because not all meds are for chickens that we use on them so it depends on the way they decide to stock the store. It could be with the goat meds.

Yay!
I think non-medicated is the best!
I'm glad you are spreading the word

Thanks, and welcome to BYC. I see you're brand new.

 

[Chicken/Bantam lover!]

Yeah, I'd ask because not all meds are for chickens that we use on them so it depends on the way they decide to stock the store. It could be with the goat meds.



Thanks, and welcome to BYC. I see you're brand new.

Yep! thx