Question about chick feed

[kiaya611]

I have been feeding my chicks Nutreena Naturewise "Chick Starter Complete Crumbs 20", but that is from a store that is 13 miles from here. My local feed store (less that a half mile from here) selld Land o' Lakes "Chick Starter/Grower Medicated".

Could anybody tell me if one is better than the other, and if so which is better? I have looked at the tags on the bags, but allot of that is "Greek to me". I would appreciate your help since I need to buy more and if there isn't a big difference, I would prefer going witht he local " mom and pop" feed store, not to mention it saves on gas and time.

Also, I know that at least with dogs and cats, if you change feed, you are supposed to do it gradually as not to cause intestinal problems, which I certainly don't want to do.

Your help is always appreciated.

 

[cheapcheap_jeepjeep]

I woud go the the medicated one unless they are both medicated. Then I guess I an not really a help. Medicated is always better from what I have read.


If I am wrong would someone correct me thanks

 

[justusnak]

Well.....as far as the medicated.....if your chicks were vaccinated, its not a good idea to give them medicated feed. If they were NOT vaccinated, then definately medicated feed. Hope this helps!

 

[chickiepooh]

I have heard... from our local feed store manager who also has chickens that medicated is not good for healthy chicks. Medication is hard on their systems... just like it is for us. Why give medicine to a healthy animal? I didn't medicate my chicks and they weren't vaccinated. I just feed them good food and supplements and make sure they have clean water and a good clean coop and run. I feed my chickens a warm cereal mash that consists of oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits, crushed egg shells, bee pollen, spirulina, and Avian Charge 2000. The girls love it and I am confident they get all the supplements they need to keep them healthy and naturally resistant to those bad bugs out there. I hope this helps. It works for me.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I'm with Justusnak on this one. I have non-vaccinated chicks on med starter and vaccinated chicks on non-med starter. Both sets of chicks get bits of fruit, bugs, grass, bread, etc. periodically and they both have grit and fresh water available to them at all times. They all look and act great: active, alert, and playful. One set is 6 weeks and the other set is 2 weeks old. I have not encountered any problems with either set.

As for brands, the med starter I use is Purina's Start and Grow, I don't remember the other brand offhand.

 

[jgarreth]

How do you know if they are vaccinated or not?? I got my chicks from TSC and Rural King.

 

[Den in Penn]

How do you know if they are vaccinated or not?? I got my chicks from TSC and Rural King.

You have to ask the people where you got them. They may not know, but the person who order them from the hatchery should be able to find out.