Should I start them on medicated feed?

[Judy]

to the varied responses!

Besides strains of cocci varying from one area to another, cocci in general are more prevalent in some areas than others -- more common in wet areas, unusual in deserts. Where I live, a low lying area, it is nearly impossible to buy unmedicated starter or grower. I don't know how much of that is locals feeling "better safe than sorry" and how much is actual problems. I've raised several groups of chicks and have not had a case of cocci that I know of.

Ridgerunner gave you some good advice, IMO.

 

[Leo1]

Just some general thoughts on anti-biotics which of course are the medicated part of medicated feed. The more we use the less they work which leads to resistant bacteria...scary. They cause later harm to the health of animals. They are extremely disruptive to the systems of any animal. They kill all bacteria including those that live in the gut and are necessary for optimum health. A better option would be to feed probiotics in their water. These are the "good" bacteria. Probiotics live in the gut as does cocci. They will be beneficial in two ways. One they help keep up the immune system and health thus helping the chicks deal with cocci in the environment. The probiotics will also compete with cocci bacteria in the gut and thus help the chicks deal with cocci. Antibiotics should never be give to healthy animals, they do way more harm than good.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Amprolium, which is the usual "medicated" in medicated feed, is not an antibiotic. It is a thiamine blocker that inhibits the reproduction of the protozoa that cause Cocci. It still allows some reproduction so the chicks can develop the immunities they need, but it helps keep the numbers low enough so that the chick is less likely to suffer ill effects.

I don't like antibiotics either, but the "medicated" in medicated chicken feed is usually not an antibiotic. It is usually Amprolium. of curse, you need to read the label to see what the "medicated" actually is.

 

[stcroixusvi]

Like you, I was worried and initially second-guessed my decision to not feed medicated. Then I checked with people raising chicks around me and none of them use medicated feed. So, no medicated feed, and so far, no problems. My chicks are going on 8 weeks. Good luck with your decision. You might want to ask the original owner why he chose not to use medicated feed.

 

[CYGChickies]

I was told by a relative who has kept chickens for decades that my 34 babies should only eat one 50lb bag worth of medicated. He said once I run low to buy unmedicated and mix them gradually toward unmedcated. He said using medicated too long can cause diarrhea. It may be different in different climates/areas but since he lives in the same town as me I will be taking his advice.

I chose to do a bag of medicated because we had 2 out of 3 rabbit kittens die from cocci and I got scared of of it. I know it can't cross contaminate--and that they caught it from mom at the breeder's--but it showed me what cocci can do to babies and how fast without warning.

Good Luck with your new chickens!

CYG

 

[WendyGrama]

I always use an electrolyte addition to the water during stressful times, including heat waves, moves etc. In some ways I think that more helpful than medicated feed, though I used medicated feed for the first time due to new unfamiliar location, haven't a clue whats in this cowbrown dried out ole dirt!

And doing my best to keep chicken area's clean and sterilized from anything harmful.

Knowing what you are looking for seems to be the best bet!!!