Switched from Medicated to Non

[lisa7780]

Before I found this very helpful site, I was told that I only needed to do one small bag of Purina medicated feed and then switch over to non medicated. My chicks are approx 14 days old and I switched them last night. Should have I continued medicated longer? Or am I OK with the new feed change?

 

[chicmom]

I always wait until I use up that medicated bag, then I switch. That way no money is wasted. It doesn't hurt a thing.

 

[lisa7780]

Thank you so much. I was worried I possibly switched to soon.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Most recommend 6-8 weeks on medicated or using it until your chicks are on dirt etc. and have a good chance of coming in contact with cocci. 14 days is a little young, however some never use medicated feed. Be aware of the signs of coccidosis & be prepared to get Corid if your birds get it.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Most recommend 6-8 weeks on medicated or using it until your chicks are on dirt etc. and have a good chance of coming in contact with cocci. 14 days is a little young, however some never use medicated feed. Be aware of the signs of coccidosis & be prepared to get Corid if your birds get it.

This.

Please read and understand this post. That issues with coccidiosis are real and are often confronted, not within the confines of a sterile, clean brooder, but when the chicks are put in contact with the soil. There are 8 strains, carried about by wild birds. Coccidiosis can kill very quickly. Do not be afraid, just be informed and be well prepared. The ingredient in "medicated" feed is typically amprollium. It is not an anti biotic, but a blocker, allowing the chicks to gain immunity. Know what Corid is and where you would buy it. Know how to mix it in the water. Preparation ahead of time, even if you never need it, is worth the knowledge.

 

[akelley]

I never feed medicated chick feed. I feed my whole flock (adults and babies) fermented all-flock with oyster shell free choice. I let my chicks come in contact with dirt at two weeks and have never had a problem with coccidiosis.

I do keep amprollium on hand though, and am prepared to dose anyone that shows symptoms.

 

[lisa7780]

Thank you all for the information. I will definitely read up on coccidiosis and get supplies in case my chicks get sick. I am taking in all the info I can to be a good chicken farmer.

 

[chicmom]

Lisa, I've had chickens for years, and I have to say that the only time I had chicks get cocci was one summer when it was ungodly hot and wet! It was the perfect breeding ground for the cocci, and my chicks that had just gone outside started having bloody droppings (but no other symptoms). I got them on the Corid in their drinking water right away, and all was well.

Just wanted to share that with you. Also, I changed the chicken run from just dirt, to sand. That has really made a huge difference. I rake the sand each day to get up all the droppings and it stays nice. Plus, you don't have mud everywhere when it rains.

Have a great day and enjoy your chicks!
Sharon

 

[lisa7780]

Thank you so much Sharon for the info! I honestly had no clue there was so much to raising chickens.

Good thing I found BYC!

 

[chicmom]

You are very welcome! Sometimes all the info and opinions will make your head spin.