When can I stop giving medicated feed???

[LittleRedCoopLady]

Hello All!
So, I'm wondering when I can stop giving my chicks medicated feed. They will be 5 weeks old tomorrow. I have a 25lbs bag of unmedicated feed and was wondering if they are ready for that yet. I've read differing opinions on the subject. Some say 8 weeks, some say 16 weeks. It seems to vary all over the place. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[Ryguy3684]

How long have they been outside, grazing? The medicated feed usually contains amprolium, which is used to control/treat coccidiasis. Once they've been outside for a couple weeks, their bodies should be adjusted to fight the coccidiasis in your soil. Mine are still on it, but only because I had a big bag left over.

 

[swamphiker]

I have read that it's best to stop after the chicks have been exposed to the outside world where there is likely Coccidia. I put my chicks out around 5 weeks and switched to non-medicated around 8 weeks.

 

[LittleRedCoopLady]

That's great advice! Thanks so much! They've been moved to the outdoor coop, but haven't been in the grass/soil yet. I'll keep them on it for a few more weeks!