Pulling the trigger

[Alagirl]

at what point do they need the grit? Should I offer it right away?

 

[3KillerBs]

I think the ready available blend is either 18 or 19% depending on brand.
Do you have a preference about brand? (I would love to not buy Purina.....it's Nestle company, and dang I hate their politics!)

I have no brand preferences. As long as the feed is the same protein level I buy the cheaper one.

at what point do they need the grit? Should I offer it right away?

As long as they are eating nothing but chick starter they don't need grit.

I do give mine just a tiny bit from the start since, brooding outdoors, they get ahold of bugs quite quickly (I've seen 3-day-old chicks tear a spider apart to eat it). I was told to sprinkle it very lightly on their feed -- as if salting it lightly.

 

[rosemarythyme]

But should I get medicated or not, and which is the better brand?

Up to you, if the chicks are not vaccinated for coccidiosis. If they are, it must be unmedicated, as the medicated feed will nullify the vaccine.

I don't use medicated feed but I do keep Corid on hand to compensate, if it's needed.

 

[3KillerBs]

Up to you, if the chicks are not vaccinated for coccidiosis. If they are, it must be unmedicated, as the medicated feed will nullify the vaccine.

I don't use medicated feed but I do keep Corid on hand to compensate, if it's needed.

More evidence that there is no one right and perfect way.

 

[Alagirl]

everything is clear as mud.
Gotcha.
(I doubt the source vaccinates the chicks though)

 

[3KillerBs]

everything is clear as mud.
Gotcha.
(I doubt the source vaccinates the chicks though)

Getting chicks vaccinated for various things is an extra fee per vaccine.

 

[Arelwood]

I have plenty of flat rocks about.
A chick-sized roost? Tell me more!

I took a 1 inch thick dowel and two pieces of leftover fence board about 4-6 inches tall. Screwed in the dowel and voila, chick roost. It was free, and it's actually adorable when they use it.

It's free-standing and only about 2 inches off the ground.

 

[Alagirl]

Getting chicks vaccinated for various things is an extra fee per vaccine.

considering it's the Walmart of chick suppliers.....I am not seeing it.

 

[Alagirl]

I took a 1 inch thick dowel and two pieces of leftover fence board about 4-6 inches tall. Screwed in the dowel and voila, chick roost. It was free, and it's actually adorable when they use it.

It's free-standing and only about 2 inches off the ground.
View attachment 3084476

Very doable!

 

[3KillerBs]

considering it's the Walmart of chick suppliers.....I am not seeing it.

It's only available when you order direct from the hatchery.