New to raising chickens have questions

[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.

Thank you for your input. Those eggs are gorgeous!

 

[DobieLover]

Thank you!

I've read to transition them off medicated slowly. If I do what ratio of medicated: non medicated would be suggested? What are your thoughts?

I don't know where you read that but it's not correct. All medicated feed has is a low dose of amprolium in it to help prevent the development of coccidiosis. I would do a hard switch over once your current bag of feed is gone.

 

[Sonoma Gal]

I don't know where you read that but it's not correct. All medicated feed has is a low dose of amprolium in it to help prevent the development of coccidiosis. I would do a hard switch over once your current bag of feed is gone.

Geez.. I glad I asked! Thanks

 

[sourland]

For once I disagree with @DobieLover. I would start with a 50/50 mix then a 75/25 mix - not because of the amprolium, but because sometimes chickens can be difficult to switch to a different feed. Chickens hate change.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[DobieLover]

For once I disagree with @DobieLover. I would start with a 50/50 mix then a 75/25 mix - not because of the amprolium, but because sometimes chickens can be difficult to switch to a different feed. Chickens hate change.

That's because I'm mean and you're not!
'You'll eat what I give you or eat NOTHING!'
Again, is anyone surprised I don't have children?

 

[Debbie292d]

Thank you!

I've read to transition them off medicated slowly. If I do what ratio of medicated: non medicated would be suggested? What are your thoughts?

I've used medicated for chicks from the feed mill, but I don't for our own chicks. There isn't any need to transition them, as the only difference between them, like @DobieLover said, is that the medicated contains a small amount of amprolium, which is what Corid, the coccidiosis treatment, has, except 10X that amount. I just used the 5lb bag of it up, and when it was gone, they were switched to all flock crumbles. These are silkies and sure, maybe picky sometimes, but they are chicks, hungry, they'll eat what you put in front of them! If you worry about it though, just when you get to the end of it, mix it up.

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you're here!

 

[sourland]

That's because I'm mean and you're not!
'You'll eat what I give you or eat NOTHING!'
Again, is anyone surprised I don't have children?

Well, you do sound like my mother.