azygous - Hi - Thank you very much for responding!
The only info I found online was at the Merck Veterinary Manual which states both:
1) "Enterococcus spp isolated from birds with clinical disease include
E avium,
E cecorum,E durans,
E faecalis,
E faecium, and
E hirae.
E faecalis affects birds of all ages, but infection is especially devastating for embryos and young chicks."
and,
2) "Although enterococcosis has been reported in poultry species, it should also be noted that some strains of
Enterococcus have a beneficial effect on growth and feed efficiency and are used as probiotics."
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/enterococcosis/enterococcosis-in-poultry
Unfortunately, this contradiction brought me back to square one with the question.
We are raising these chicks in an area where temperatures are on the rise and Im very concerned about proliferating virulent pathogens in this new normal, especially anything that could affect my older chickens, kitties or kids.
I have concerns also about the correlation between the fermented chick feed and associated sour crop that 's been reported.
Im hoping you can share for how long and how many chicks you've enjoyed success with this - and also does anyone happen to know if all starter feeds have grit?
Thank you for your response.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/enterococcosis/enterococcosis-in-poultry
