⠀ Strange "caution" on the label of Purina medicated Start and Grow.

[Scotty from BI]

I purchased a 50 lb bag of Start and Grow and on the attached ingredient label it read in part... "Use as the sole source of amprolium. Do not change the litter while giving this feed unless absolutely necessary." I have done the usual internet search and every thing I read contradicts this. I am confused and I would bet others are as well. Can someone clarify what I should do for my 17 two week old Wyandotte chicks living in a 4 foot by 4 foot brooder with pine shavings litter.

 

[Bridebeliever]

What you have is a medicated starter feed to prevent them from getting coccidiosis. It doesn't want you to frequently change the bedding because even their waste will now have medication in it. When it is given as medication it is given in water. Otherwise it's in medicated starter feed.

"Amprolium: Amprolium is an anticoccidial drug. It has also been used for many years and needs no withdrawal time to guard against residue in the meat. It is given in the drinking water and interferes with metabolism of the vitamin thiamin (vitamin B1) in coccidia. Amprolium treats both intestinal and cecal coccidia."

 

[Scotty from BI]

Thanks very much for your response. Interesting, so do I leave the litter with all the poop in it in the brooder for the whole 4-6 weeks until they move to the coop? That will be a lot of poop even if I add some more every week to the existing. Seems a bit counter-intuitive. But I see the logic based on your response. I suppose I could just remove like half of it every so often. Also, since they take it until they lay for about 4-5 months does that go for the coop as well... thoughts?

 

[Bridebeliever]

Honestly, if it were me I would change the litter when it starts to get really gross. Are they being brooded outside or in? If it's inside your home I would change it weekly. If it's outside I would change every two weeks. An overly dirty living situation isn't healthy for them either. You can also give them a healthy start by offering them dirt from your outside environment after two weeks.