New to raising chickens have questions

[Sonoma Gal]

Hi to all,

New to group and chicken raising. Looks like a great forum for resource.

I bought six chickens at day two of age. They are now 12 weeks they have been transferred from brooder to coop and confined run ( small backyard ). They have been on medicated food since bringing them home. I see caramel colored loose stool here and there in the run. Does the flock need a full treatment of Corid? If so what is recommended/easiest for treatment, liquid or powder form? I have sat in the run and fed them by hand keeping a watchful eye on who might be the loose stool gal, after a long while in run I wasn't able to tease this out. Also, I have been getting mixed information online about when to stop medicated crumble. Can someone knowledgeable explain precisely the feeding routine now that they are 12 weeks please? I'd prefer them to be off the medicated crumble but realize the flock may need Corid?

Since they are confined I have been feeding them my fresh grown sprouted wheat as a source of " greens ".

Thanks ( in advance ) for guiding me

 

[DemeterAD9]

Looks like cecal poop which is perfectly normal. No need to medicate unless you are certain of disease and a sick bird would be presenting more than just odd droppings.

As for medicated feed, I’m on the fence with it myself. I start chicks on it for a few weeks or until the bag runs out, then I use regular chick feed. The medicated feed is only really useful with particularly fragile chicks and if you can’t keep the brooder clean enough. A dry, clean brooder will prevent coccidiosis is most cases.

 

[TexasBlues]

What’s the reason for medicated food? I’ve never known anybody that uses that.

 

[WingItRanch]

I agree that it looks like cecal poo, which is perfectly normal. Medicated chick food can be useful if you're worried about coccidiosis but I believe at 12 weeks, you can switch to an All Flock without medication.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Lucky birds! What a beautiful setup you have!

 

[Sonoma Gal]

Looks like cecal poop which is perfectly normal. No need to medicate unless you are certain of disease and a sick bird would be presenting more than just odd droppings.

As for medicated feed, I’m on the fence with it myself. I start chicks on it for a few weeks or until the bag runs out, then I use regular chick feed. The medicated feed is only really useful with particularly fragile chicks and if you can’t keep the brooder clean enough. A dry, clean brooder will prevent coccidiosis is most cases.

I haven't heard about cecal poops. Thank you for all this informative insight.

 

[Sonoma Gal]

What’s the reason for medicated food? I’ve never known anybody that uses that.

I'm pausing to think about an answer... As silly as this sounds I was instructed to start them on medicated when I bought the birds. I'm going to switch them off of it today.

 

[Sonoma Gal]

Lucky birds! What a beautiful setup you have! they will be happy in our small backyard

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hmm. That would make a good thread, get some discussion going on that.

 

[Sonoma Gal]

I agree that it looks like cecal poo, which is perfectly normal. Medicated chick food can be useful if you're worried about coccidiosis but I believe at 12 weeks, you can switch to an All Flock without medication.

Your insight is so much appreciated!