Medicated feed (assuming it's medicated with amprolium, which is what it usually is in US) has nothing to do with Marek's. It contains a preventative amount of amprolium to combat coccidiosis. IF the chicks are vaccinated for coccidiosis, do not feed medicated, as it will kill the vaccine.I have heard they should not have medicated feed if they were vaccinated for Marek's disease.
I don't use medicated feed but I think it's a good idea to have Corid on hand in case coccidiosis becomes an issue.
Up to you. Doesn't hurt to provide things like electrolytes to combat stress (such as shipping stress). My current choice has been Poultry Nutri Drench, which is a vitamin & sugar mix for a quick pick me up for any birds that are lethargic.after reading and doing more research I have a few more questions.
Do I need to get electrolites to put in their water after I get them home (I am getting them from a local farm store but believe they have them shipped in).
Do they need any probiotics or medicated feed or anything else like that at first?
what things should I have on hand for the chicks JIC they get sick and need something?
As far as a "first aid" kit I try not to keep too much on hand as medication expires, but usually I have Vetricyn spray, Neosporin (without pain relief), vet wrap, tools like small tweezers and dosing syringes, and the Nutri Drench mentioned above.