Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[WhySayWhat]

My hubby said "no more birds" after my cockatiel died, and then years later, he agreed to 3 baby chicks. Well the 3 chicks turned into 10 chickens, and now he's even given in on the cockatiel, though I have no plans to get another since they're far more time demanding than chickens.



You'll probably need the big bag. I get 10 lb of starter for 4 chicks and that lasts til about week 6 for me (though that's with adults eating some of it, and both adults and chicks also being offered an all flock feed).

Medicated is up to you, but make sure the chicks aren't vaccinated for coccidiosis as the medicated feed will nullify the vaccination.

They're coming from Meyer Hatchery and I didn't opt to vaccinate, so I assume they won't be. I don't remember using it last time either, just a "nervous Nelly" waiting for my chicks to get here, lol.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're coming from Meyer Hatchery and I didn't opt to vaccinate, so I assume they won't be. I don't remember using it last time either, just a "nervous Nelly" waiting for my chicks to get here, lol.

I don't do medicated feed but I do keep Corid on hand (or make sure I can get some fast). I aim to inoculate through exposure. Ever since I started raising chicks outdoors (right in the rain soaked run) I've had no issue with coccidiosis, even though my oldest hens had it before, so it's on the property.

 

[WhySayWhat]

I really have no idea what took out my hens before...but they were 8-10 years old, so I blamed it on "old age". The new group won't be on the same end of the property, they're getting a brand new area (and the lower half of my 2-story shed as a coop). Most likely go with non-medicated and be prepared to medicate if needed after that. I don't want to overload them!

I do wish the weather and my own health would cooperate so I could get outside and start doing some work though...

 

[pennyJo1960]

I do not think they should sell the medicated feed that they need medication later it won't work geee please say no to medicated feed

 

[WhySayWhat]

I do not think they should sell the medicated feed that they need medication later it won't work geee please say no to medicated feed

I knew there was a reason I was hesitant to make the choice to go medicated, lol. I'll be sticking to non-medicated feed. Easier all the way around I think.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I do not think they should sell the medicated feed that they need medication later it won't work geee please say no to medicated feed

Could you tell me why I shouldn’t use medicated feed for chicks? I was led to believe it helped prevent diseases.

 

[bellah1]

Hey guys, I'm posting this again, though I'm starting to give up on their adoption.

7 Sweet hens looking for a forever home! Their older, 4 of them are 3, going to be 4 in the spring, and the other 3 are closer to 5-7. The younger ones are starting to lay again, and doing a good job. Were getting abbot 3 eggs a day. Their very sweet, and will come running for treats and come when their called. You will practically trip over them if you have anything good for them to eat. They will will gladly eat out of your hand, but don't like being picked up or pet. I can't keep them, since our new coop setup will only offer room for a few chosen ones, and these 7 sadly can't stay. I'm trying to save them from culling, this thread gives more info on breeds, etc. Thanks for any interest!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...king-for-a-home-for-older-hens-in-wa.1445300/

No bantams right?

 

[Weeg]

No bantams right?

Ya, no bantams.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Medicated feed did your mom give you medicated feed when you where young .. no wanted meds to work later in your life when you needed them

 

[Hinotori]

Meditated feed only has amprolium in it at a low dose. It's to prevent coccidiosis from overwhelming the chicks and killing them. Basically it lets them build up their immunity to it.

I keep Corid on hand so I don't bother with medicated feed and just use Flockraiser. I have to treat the flocks with it once or twice a year during the wettest times.

I'd recommend medicated feed for newbies to chickens just because they won't recognize signs of coccidiosis and chicks die from it quick.