To vaccinate or not?

[Butterfly65]

Been so busy and haven't done much reading. Should my 3 week old chicks be vaccinated and wormed? I only have 8. Got them from Tractor Supply. They are Red sex linked. They've been doing great. Fresh water and food everyday. I keep their coop clean and no other animals around besides our cat. Is it mandatory to vaccinate and deworm them? Just this evening I noticed one was not as energetic as the others. She doesn't even try to eat the shredded cheese snacks that the others are going Berserk over. Her eyes are clear, everything looks "normal". I'm confused.

 

[0wen]

Most vaccinations for chicks are intended to be given the first day or two after hatching and aren't much good after that as they become exposed to the environment. Coccidiosis is an either or for young chicks - via vaccine or medicated feed, but not both and if you feel you need it, you can get some medicated chick feed to administer. If you're noticing worms in stools, I'd probably deworm, but if there isn't any signs of worms/parasites I don't know that I'd treat for it.

Are you offering grit if you're giving snacks or do they have access to the ground to pick up some dirt/sand/stones?

 

[Butterfly65]

Thanks for the info. I have purchased baby chick grit and they have that in their coop. I also take them out daily and put them in a temporary pen that we have so they are in the grass and sandy soil to dust bathe in.