To Medicate or Not to Medicate?

[Roley]

Hi all just got new chicks and I’m so in love!
My chickies are outside romping around as we speak and I worry about the bugs they may be eating out here. I’ve chosen to go more organic with non-medicated starter feed, however I’m concerned with coccidiosis (not well versed on this).

Thought and or suggestions?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Roley Welcome To BYC

Where are you located in the world? (state/country)
Congratulations on your new babies! So cute

Medicated feed is really a personal choice.
Personally, I do not use medicated feed, but keep a Coccidiostat (Corid/Amprolium) on hand. If you are not in the US, other countries may have different medications/products in the feed and for treatment/control of Coccidia.

Chicks do need exposure to the Coccidia strains that are found in their environment. It's good that you have them out and about!

The only thing I DO recommend is that you provide your chicks with a source of grit (crushed granite). While they may find suitable grit/small rocks in the soil they are scratching in, I like to make sure they have what they need. They will be nipping at grass, eating bugs, dirt, etc. Having suitable grit - you can't go wrong.

Good luck with your babies!

Just my 2¢

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I never use medicated either. I think it has to do with climate and what's in your area. Wetter places are more likely to have problems. Chicks will build immunity to coccidiosis over time.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! I don't use medicated either, but I do stock medications to treat coccidiosis. I don't want to scare you, but is the yellow chick okay? It looks a little cold or sleepy to me.

 

[Shadrach]

Hello Roley.
Welcome to BYC.
I always use medicated feed but I've had problems with coccidia here.
I also keep an in date treatment for coccidia.
The problem is sometimes the protozoa can kill chicks very quickly and I prefer to reduce that risk.

 

[Roley]

Thanks for both your feedback! I'm a total newbie so I appreciate the experienced suggestions.
@Wyorp Rock I live in Central FL. Very Humid and Very Warm! I definitely prefer not to medicate for various reasons (both for the sake of the chicks as well as for my family's health -the eggs). However, I definitely don't want little babies with parasites or bad eggs (do parasites transfer to the eggs?).

I'm trying to raise these girls as close to nature as I can, I love watching them do what they do! pecking, scratching, sand baths etc... every tip helps!!
With that said, can I get grit at any pet supply store? Is there a brand you recommend?

So many questions, I know. I'm super excited and want to do right by my little gals.

 

[Roley]

Welcome to BYC! I don't use medicated either, but I do stock medications to treat coccidiosis. I don't want to scare you, but is the yellow chick okay? It looks a little cold or sleepy to me.

Thank you for your concern casportpony! I think she was just sleepy when I took the photo. It's about 77* here but a bit breezy. I may be wrong but I think she was enjoying the sun... I think. I have a heating pad set up for them but they don't really spend that much time in it, not sure why. Please feel free to let me know if you think I am wrong. Really appreciate all the love and guidance!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for both your feedback! I'm a total newbie so I appreciate the experienced suggestions.
@Wyorp Rock I live in Central FL. Very Humid and Very Warm! I definitely prefer not to medicate for various reasons (both for the sake of the chicks as well as for my family's health -the eggs). However, I definitely don't want little babies with parasites or bad eggs (do parasites transfer to the eggs?).

I'm trying to raise these girls as close to nature as I can, I love watching them do what they do! pecking, scratching, sand baths etc... every tip helps!!
With that said, can I get grit at any pet supply store? Is there a brand you recommend?

So many questions, I know. I'm super excited and want to do right by my little gals.

If you prefer not to medicate, then use unmedicated chick starter, but either have some Corid or know you can get it quickly if you need it.

Just for clarification -Amprolium is not an antibiotic, it is a Coccidiostat - it acts as a Thiamine antagonist (Thiamine blocker). The blocker prevents Coccidia from using Thiamine and essentially it starves out. Amprolium (Corid) has zero egg withdrawal period (means you don't have to throw away eggs when you use this medication). You can eat the eggs or feed them back to your flock.

Also Coccidia is a protozoa, not a virus.

Since you are in FL, you have Tractor Supply (or similar) correct? You can find Corid in the cattle section.
You should be able to find chick grit for your babies, then transition them to poultry grit when they get older. When they begin to lay eggs! Provide them with Oyster shell for calcium. (provide all these free choice, don't mix with feed)

 

[casportpony]

Thank you for your concern casportpony! I think she was just sleepy when I took the photo. It's about 77* here but a bit breezy. I may be wrong but I think she was enjoying the sun... I think. I have a heating pad set up for them but they don't really spend that much time in it, not sure why. Please feel free to let me know if you think I am wrong. Really appreciate all the love and guidance!

Hopefully she is okay. I have a tendency to be a little paranoid. just keep an eye on her.

 

[Roley]

If you prefer not to medicate, then use unmedicated chick starter, but either have some Corid or know you can get it quickly if you need it.

Just for clarification -Amprolium is not an antibiotic, it is a Coccidiostat - it acts as a Thiamine antagonist (Thiamine blocker). The blocker prevents Coccidia from using Thiamine and essentially it starves out. Amprolium (Corid) has zero egg withdrawal period (means you don't have to throw away eggs when you use this medication). You can eat the eggs or feed them back to your flock.

Also Coccidia is a protozoa, not a virus.

Since you are in FL, you have Tractor Supply (or similar) correct? You can find Corid in the cattle section.
You should be able to find chick grit for your babies, then transition them to poultry grit when they get older. When they begin to lay eggs! Provide them with Oyster shell for calcium. (provide all these free choice, don't mix with feed)

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Wow! This was so helpful! Thank you kindly