Are eggs still good if the hen eats medicated chick feed?

[kathyinmo]

I understand that hens need more calcium and so forth than chicks. BUT, if hens eat medicated chick starter/grower, are the eggs ok to consume, or must they be tossed out? Is there such a thing as UNmedicated chick starter/grower? Could that be fed to a mixed flock (ages 6 weeks to 1 year)? The majority (44) are 6 weeks old, 4 are 1 year, and 8 are (silkies) of various ages. (I suppose I should keep the silkies seperated from the others??)
Please advise.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

Personally, I would seperate the Silkies. As for the feed, our chicks go to layer feed at 8 weeks. Medicated Chick Feed basically treats for cocci the most. At 6 weeks you are past the worst of it. Our last batch of chicks that were in with a broody came out to the yard at 4 weeks and have been on Layer Feed since and they are doing fine. Actually growing like weeds.

 

[cjeanean]

You don't want to feed layer feed until they are older because of the extra calcium. Calcium given too young can cause kidney failure. Read the back of them layer feed bag, it'll tell you not to give it to chicks undera certain age, I believe 16-20 weeks but I'm not sure....

 

[speckledhen]

Eggs from hens who have eaten medicated starter are fine.

Layer feed should never be given to birds under at least 16-18 weeks old due to too much calcium.

 

[Iceblink]

Yes, there is such a thing as unmedicated chick starter. It sometimes takes some searching for though. I buy organic feed when I can find it, and it's never medicated.

 

[speckledhen]

Yes, there definitely is UNmedicated chick starter, but in some areas, it's very hard to find, like mine. And I pay more for UNmedicated than medicated because the co-op where I usually buy my feed is about $5/bag cheaper than the Purina store (where I can get unmedicated), but all they sell is medicated.