Medicated vs.Non with imported chicks

[desertgirl]

Hello!

I have three week olds, and will be getting three new babies in June. The chicks I have now were bought locally (New Mexico), and I was told by the feed store woman (in no uncertain terms,mind you!) that medicated feed is absolutely not necessary in this climate and shuold not be used.

But my chicks are 1) being shipped/ stressed and 2)coming from My Pet Chicken,not sure from where exactly....

Should I go ahead and feed them medicated just to be safe?

 

[horsejody]

Medicated feed helps them build a resistance to cocci, nothing else. Cocci is in the soil. I don't think it's a necessity for chicks even if they are shipped.

 

[M@M@2four]

I use medicated for first 8 weeks! Helps prevent cocci!

 

[speckledhen]

Whether you use it or not, they can still get cocci and then you just treat it when necessary with Corid. Cocci isn't as large a concern in dry climates as wet ones such as mine, but it still happens. Just get what you can and watch for signs of cocci.

 

[desertgirl]

And by telltail signs I am looking for unsteadyness,lethargy, and blood in the stool?

 

[speckledhen]

They'll ruffle up like they're cold when it is a bad case. And they will stand around. Then the "hamburgery" stools and in advanced cases, mustardy foamy yellow stools.

 

[desertgirl]

Thanks so much! I guess it would be prudent to go with the non medicated feed but have some meds on hand,just in case?

 

[speckledhen]

Yep, that's what I do now. Used to always buy medicated feed, but at a certain point, it just wasn't doing the trick. So, now, I just feed non-medicated and keep Corid on hand.

 

[desertgirl]

Excellent advice. Thank you so much!!!