Wondering when to feed a medicated chick starter versus a non-medicated chick starter? There is really no right or wrong answer, it is simply a matter of preference.
Coccidiosis is very common and is generally caused by wet dirty coops. However, wild birds can also spread it, so even birds in clean environments can be susceptible. Symptoms include loss of appetite, unthrifty appearance, and the chick isolating themselves from the flock. Symptoms can progress to blood in the stool and eventually death.
For more information, watch this short video from “Mr. Cluck”:
Still have questions? Leave them here in the comments field, and we’ll help you out!
I have chicks that just hatched under a hen and have more broody hens with chicks due to hatch soon. Is it ok to put the medicated feed into the chicken runs with the adult chickens too? Is it ok for the adult chickens to eat the medicated chick feed? Thank you for your time. Great video!
Hi Michelle,
You are correct that baby chicks should not have layer feed – the elevated levels of calcium can harm their internal organs. If you choose to feed medicated chick starter it will be fine to put in your run with your adult birds. The medication we use (Amprolium) is very safe and has no withdrawal time for birds used for either meat or eggs. Thanks for the question!
Tiffany
A chick with an “unthrifty appearance”??? I love that! LOL I keep envisioning some babe in tacky designer rags, dripping with ‘bling’.
I have 8 straight Cornish and have been feeding them the medicated feed since I bought them 1st week. I want them processed at the 8th week. At what week I should stop feeding them the medicated feed? Thanks!
Sounds like you will have a nicely stocked freezer for the winter! If you are feeding the Country Feeds Starter Grower 18%, it is medicated with Amprolium, which has no withdrawal period. You can feed this to your birds to finish.
Check out further information here: http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/tag/medicated-feed/
If you wish to switch them, you can use the Country Feeds Meatbird 20%.
How long should medicated feed be fed? At what age can they be taken off and put on regular chick starter?
Hi Nancy,
Generally, people either feed medicated or non-medicated for the first 16 weeks. There really isn’t a set program for switching from medicated to non-medicated, but the window for Coccidiosis is roughly 3 weeks of age to 6 months. The first 3 weeks is critical if you choose to use the medicated, to get it into the chick’s system.
Best of luck!