Medicated vs. Nonmedicated

[MissPrissy]

I don't use medicated feeds. I think chickens are better served developing a natural immune system.

 

[speckledhen]

I've always used medicated with Amprolium, at least for the first 8 weeks or so till they've been on the ground. Thereafter, I may or may not use the medicated any longer.

 

[Yardegg]

I used medicated starter for years until McMurray Hatchery began offering Cocci vaccinations. I pay a few cents per bird to have them vaccinated, start them on non-medicated feed, and have better luck than ever before. Much less pasty-butt to contend with now that I get them vaccinated. The local feed mill is big on medicated starter, so I actually buy their non-medicated grower ration. A little "Quick Chick" in the drinking water does a good job of supplementing their nutritional needs.

By the way -- DO NOT feed medicated starter to vaccinated chicks because it will counteract the vaccination and you will be worse off than if you did neither.

Yardegg

 

[ksacres]

Non medicated all the way. We believe animals (and people) are better served by their natural immune systems.

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

I find my self buying what the feed store has on hand

 

[my three chickens]

I'm new to this but decided to go with non-medicated feed. My question is: are there other things a person can do to help prevent cocci infection? I'm cleaning the brooder several times a day, but my god they poop so much! I remember something about oregano in their water? Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[silkiechicken]

Best thing to do to prevent cocci causing damage is to let them get a bit dirty and let them play in the dirt outside. Never had a broody with a chick get cocci. Did get cocci with chicks raised in a "clean" brooder and put outside without a slow introduction to the soil. They need to build immunity and the only way to do that is get exposed. The medicated feeds just help with exposure so in case they get too much in their system, they have a fighting chance as the cocci can't replicate in their guts.