Switching from medicated starter?

[Ridgerunner]

Good questions. Does all dirt contain coccidia? No. Can any one patch contain coccidian? Yes, whether it has had chickens on it previously or not.. It's more prevalent in warm wet conditions like the US Gulf Coast, but it can occur anywhere. A warm wet brooder is a great place for it to start. An outdoor spigot or waterer may keep the ground moist in a really dry climate. It's also fairly easily spread. You can track it in on your shoes. Wild birds might spread it.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Coccidiosis is spread around the globe by wild birds who are carriers.

Some soils, local climate and localized conditions seem to "breed" the parasite. Our "peak" is late May into early June which often co-incides with chicks being put on the ground. Since the strains are constantly morphing (this from our university Ag specialist) and since localized weather and climate conditions also are ever changing, complacency is your worst enemy. But, panic or over dosing isn't wise either. It is what it is. It's out there. It's almost everywhere. The birds can and will develop tolerance. We just make sure they get that chance.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Probably the most important thing to remember in all of this business re coccidiosis is watchfullness. Just watch those babies very carefully, especially when they first go out. The very minute I see any chick or young bird acting off, lethargic or not wanting to eat much, I start treating with Corid.

I use medicated starter but with the mindset that I don't! If that makes any sense at all lol! Just meaning that I expect the possibility of an outbreak regardless and am prepared to treat asap. Coccidiosis is lethal and a very fast killer but it's also very easy to clear up IF you treat it early. The longer it goes on without treatment the higher the mortality rate.