transition from medicated starter feed to non medicated

[JessicaThistle]

From what I read, it's coccidiosis that the medicated food protects against. Anyone more experienced than me chiming in would probably be helpful since i can't find the post. I'm sure there are people that do non-medicated from the beginning and have healthy flocks too. I think it's a personal preference with experienced chicken owners and a very stressful decision for us newbies.

That's why I followed the advice that I quoted before since my hubby had picked up the medicated anyway. I can assure you that I have 8 healthy free ranging chicks by following that advice.

 

[Judy]

From what I read, it's coccidiosis that the medicated food protects against.

This is correct, and Marek's is something comppletely different. Although -- there is also a vaccine for cocci, and if they have had this, you aren't suppposed to feed medicated feed.

Let me link a post I just read, from a well experienced chicken keeper who has chronic problems with cocci on his property:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/879239/cocci-prevention/0_20#post_13364390

 

[aldarita]

I am one of the unlucky ones that have the Mareks virus in the yard (lost 2 hens already) my chicks are under strict quarantine, I cannot even open the windows where their brooder is so the vaccine will have time to work, adding some soil is not an option. I am planning to move them to the coop this weekend and hopefully the medicated feed will be enough to keep them from getting coccidiosis. I have corid on hand just in case.
I have read some of the signs are bloody poop (although I believe only one type of cocci causes the bloody poop), droopiness, non active, diarrhea. Are there any more early signs that I should watch for?
Judy, thank you so much for all your input regarding this topic. It is very well appreciated.

 

[Traphill]

I would go with the medicated at least one bag and then switch to the non if you want to. There is a lot of opinions on this subject for sure, I am on my third batch of chicks and everyone has done really well with the medicated that is the way to go for me. Enjoy your chicks they are so much fun

 

[Whiter rooster]

I am beginning to feel like maybe i should just go with the non medicated....I'm on the fence.

Where I live the medicated chick starter is cheaper then non- medicated