When can I switch starter feed from med to unmed?

[chickisoup]

Hi everyone! need a bit of advice. I have 5 2 1/2 week old aussie chicks from Cackle Hatchery. They are doing great but here's my dilemma. I was only able to get ahold of Nutrena medicated chick starter originally so i went with it and have been feeding them that. I now have a bag of Nutrena UNMEDICATED. When and how can I switch them off the medicated stuff???

 

[miss chickidie]

I wait to change feed from medicated to grower when there are around 5 weeks

 

[chickisoup]

I wait to change feed from medicated to grower when there are around 5 weeks

both Nutrena products are Starter/Grower meant to be fed til POL. I think I didn't stress that these are layers.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Many people use unmedicated feed from the beginning, so you can switch at any time if that's what you choose

 

[chickisoup]

Many people use unmedicated feed from the beginning, so you can switch at any time if that's what you choose

since medicated can cause looser stool, won't a sudden switch cause it's own problem??? what do you think???

BTW- I have always used unmedicated in the past too.

 

[PearlGrey]

I don't know what happens if you switch from medicated to un-medicated. This is my first rodeo raising chicks - but I started with unmedicated because that's what my feed store guys (with whom I have developed a trusting relationship

) sold me. They're doing well, knock wood. They outgrew their rabbit cage and now they're in my big dog crate.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

I don't think it will cause any problems... But hopefully someone who has been in the same situation can comment with their experience...

 

[chickisoup]

I don't know what happens if you switch from medicated to un-medicated. This is my first rodeo raising chicks - but I started with unmedicated because that's what my feed store guys (with whom I have developed a trusting relationship

) sold me. They're doing well, knock wood. They outgrew their rabbit cage and now they're in my big dog crate.

yep, they were right. I always did unmedicated too. just got stuck not being able to get it before the chicks arrived this time.

 

[PearlGrey]

Yeah, being a horse person I'm always scared to switch feed suddenly, so I understand your concern.

Also I love your sig line.

My suggestion: get border collies! They will eat up your sheep poo (we call it yard m&ms on my farm

).

 

[chickisoup]

Yeah, being a horse person I'm always scared to switch feed suddenly, so I understand your concern.

Also I love your sig line.

My suggestion: get border collies! They will eat up your sheep poo (we call it yard m&ms on my farm

).

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!