New guy with a few questions

[azygous]

Do what LG recommends on the sod clump, and your chicks will benefit in so many ways, including sheer delight.

You can ferment anything. Use up the medicated, and go with unmedicated after that if you can find it. Sometimes, my feed stores only sell medicated, and I have no choice, although, this last time, I dispensed with chick starter and just fed my 20% protein all flock, and my baby chick seemed to do just fine on it.

 

[lazy gardener]

Do what LG recommends on the sod clump, and your chicks will benefit in so many ways, including sheer delight.

You can ferment anything. Use up the medicated, and go with unmedicated after that if you can find it. Sometimes, my feed stores only sell medicated, and I have no choice, although, this last time, I dispensed with chick starter and just fed my 20% protein all flock, and my baby chick seemed to do just fine on it.

I have put my food down, and simply refused to buy their feed if all they have is medicated feed. I simply tell them, that's too bad, and that I'll have to get it from their competitor. Of course, the multi flock is also an excellent product, and many folks use nothing but that, never bothering to buy layer. Also, an excellent choice, but... I do buy layer, simply because it's easier on my wallet. Since I've been walking out of the store without feed when they do the song and dance about "chicks have to have medicated feed", this last year, they are offering unmedicated. Funny about how now, they have changed their song from, "If you don't give your chicks medicated feed, they will die." to: "We now offer a choice!"

 

[donrae]

I am currently feeding the medicated chick starter from the Co-op. Would I be correct to assume that for the fermented feed, I should use non-medicated chick feed?

I would check with your local university extension office. Being as you're in the south, you may have more of an issue with cocci than folks in other areas. Cocci thrives in warm, wet conditions....sound familiar?

As stated, "medicated" feed doesn't contain antibiotics, etc (usually, in the US). I think it's best for each person to research and see if it's appropriate for their area and management.

If you don't go medicated, research symptoms of cocci and make sure you can obtain Corid quickly if needed. Once chicks get an overload of cocci, they can go downhill fast, and even if you don't lose them their growth can take a real hit.

 

[Folly's place]

Some of us are blessed and don't (YET!!!) have a problem with chicks sick/ dying of coccidiosis, and some of us will loose them without feeding medicated chick starter for six to eight weeks. To be on the safe side, feed the medicated chick feed! Something else; you already need larger feeders and waterers for the # of chicks you have. Upgrade this weekend! Mary