Hello Tammy,
I feel strongly that you should use "game bird starter"... The med. is not needed in most cases. In fact thats what the question is and has been for a long time now. The meds are added for the large outfits that raise cycle after cycle of birds thru their system. Pheasants mostly... If your in a area that alot of these breeders are. You likely cant buy anything else. Some say the meds build up and damage the reproductive system of quail... Some say alot more. Its hard to find real hard core info on it or where it all comes from. But I tend to trust what I can see and those that have "been there, done that". Randall and several others, have used medicated starter for years, with no issue at all. So If its a problem, its not one that should keep one awake at night worry'n over! Good Luck with your birds by the way!! Bill