People over-medicate their chickens for no reason

Tbh I see way too many folks dumping antibiotics into the water every time a hen sneezes. Last month my neighbor treated her entire flock of 12 for 'respiratory issues' and it turned out to be dust from stale bedding. I only use meds if a vet actually diagnoses something after a crop check or fecal test. Overdoing it just breeds resistant bugs and wastes money on stuff like Tylan or Corid that you don't need. Has anyone else seen this happen or am I the only one who thinks we're treating chickens like they're made of glass?

2 comments

2 Comments

kevin_hernandez831mo agoMost Upvoted

Preventative meds saved my flock more than once, better safe than sorry with delicate birds.

taylor.phoenix1mo ago

Switched to doing the same thing after I lost a hen to coccidiosis because I'd used up all my Corid on 'preventative' treatments the year before. Now I only keep a small stash of amprolium and penicillin on hand for actual emergencies, and I make sure the vet checks a poop sample before I use anything. Clean bedding and proper ventilation fixed 90% of the problems I used to throw meds at.