rustyswoman: The 30% isn't going to be medicated (I think) how will that affect the chicks with immunity? Should I mix in a bit of the medicated or not worry about it?
The 30% "Purina Game Bird Chow- Startena" I get is also unmedicated. At first, I worried about it & I had liquid amprol to add to water on hand just in case of cocci. But the strange thing is, I've never had an outbreak of cocci, never. If you keep your brood as clean & dry as possible, the waterers clean with fresh water, then you shouldn't have to worry about cocci. Keep the food freash in the feeders as well. Also, when I did raise them in a brooder inside, I would introduce the chicks to the outside incrementally in a pen on warm sunny days as early as possible on the ground (attended by me or while I was home to keep an eye on them). I grew grass in the outdoor pen ahead of time too. Last year, I let hens hatch & raise outside on the ground from Day 1 so no problem having unmedicated. The chicks grow with strong immunities from the start. It is the sudden introduction to the ground outside for young birds raised inside that can become a danger.
In my opinion, the "medicated" feed actually hinders growth. The medicated part is a thiamine blocker (blocks a nutrient) depriving the bacteria of nutrients giving the young chicks time to develop their own immunity, but it can also deprive the young chicks of the same nutrient. I'd argue that if you can, do not use medicated feed (even if available to you). Also, for the chicks first 14 days, I use vitamin/electrolyte supplements in their water (I used the GQF- Vitamins Plus-- one that has the microorganisms for digestion; here: https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=231). Thereafter, I supplement at least one day a week. I did this whether I was raising them inside in a brooder or outside with the mother hen. When the young Buckeyes reach 16 weeks of age, I continue the 1 day a week GQF Vitamin Plus and once a week while their adult plummage is coming in, I boost their 19% protein feed with Omega-3s ("Kickin Chickin"). Also, never use medication (amprol or other) with vitamin supplements. Make sure you KNOW the right amount of GQF Vitamin Plus to add to the water (as too much can be a danger)-- it is a very small amount per gallon-- I want to say for the GQF Vitamin Plus, it was a teaspoon or some fraction of a teaspoon per gallon of water.
I want to point out that if you use the GQF Vitamin Plus, be sure that the water is changed at least once DAILY. It spoils quickly. One other thing: I NEVER, NEVER let young Buckeyes run out of food, NEVER. I make sure they can always eat. I think the results of what I have raised speak for themselves. You can have quality without hatching a lot in quantity.
Christopher McCary
President, American Buckeye Poultry Club
The 30% "Purina Game Bird Chow- Startena" I get is also unmedicated. At first, I worried about it & I had liquid amprol to add to water on hand just in case of cocci. But the strange thing is, I've never had an outbreak of cocci, never. If you keep your brood as clean & dry as possible, the waterers clean with fresh water, then you shouldn't have to worry about cocci. Keep the food freash in the feeders as well. Also, when I did raise them in a brooder inside, I would introduce the chicks to the outside incrementally in a pen on warm sunny days as early as possible on the ground (attended by me or while I was home to keep an eye on them). I grew grass in the outdoor pen ahead of time too. Last year, I let hens hatch & raise outside on the ground from Day 1 so no problem having unmedicated. The chicks grow with strong immunities from the start. It is the sudden introduction to the ground outside for young birds raised inside that can become a danger.
In my opinion, the "medicated" feed actually hinders growth. The medicated part is a thiamine blocker (blocks a nutrient) depriving the bacteria of nutrients giving the young chicks time to develop their own immunity, but it can also deprive the young chicks of the same nutrient. I'd argue that if you can, do not use medicated feed (even if available to you). Also, for the chicks first 14 days, I use vitamin/electrolyte supplements in their water (I used the GQF- Vitamins Plus-- one that has the microorganisms for digestion; here: https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=231). Thereafter, I supplement at least one day a week. I did this whether I was raising them inside in a brooder or outside with the mother hen. When the young Buckeyes reach 16 weeks of age, I continue the 1 day a week GQF Vitamin Plus and once a week while their adult plummage is coming in, I boost their 19% protein feed with Omega-3s ("Kickin Chickin"). Also, never use medication (amprol or other) with vitamin supplements. Make sure you KNOW the right amount of GQF Vitamin Plus to add to the water (as too much can be a danger)-- it is a very small amount per gallon-- I want to say for the GQF Vitamin Plus, it was a teaspoon or some fraction of a teaspoon per gallon of water.
I want to point out that if you use the GQF Vitamin Plus, be sure that the water is changed at least once DAILY. It spoils quickly. One other thing: I NEVER, NEVER let young Buckeyes run out of food, NEVER. I make sure they can always eat. I think the results of what I have raised speak for themselves. You can have quality without hatching a lot in quantity.
Christopher McCary
President, American Buckeye Poultry Club
