Chick feed for layers

[P-Dog]

So my girls started laying a couple of weeks ago! I'm so proud of them!

I switched them to layer feed. I discovered a large bag of medicated chick feed in my shed today. Is it okay to use it even though they have started laying? I hate to waste it, but don't want to harm the girls by giving them the wrong food. I also have a bag of oyster shell, so I can supplement the calcium they wouldn't be getting from the chick feed...

Any thoughts?

 

[lazy gardener]

How old is that feed? Personally, I would not want to eat eggs from birds on Amprolium. It won't hurt them, and probably won't hurt you. But... it would be far less than ideal for both you and the chickens.

 

[P-Dog]

It's about two months old. We go through feed quickly and don't buy it in bulk.

I switched them to organic layer feed when we got our first egg a couple of weeks ago, so it's been sitting in a fairly airtight bin for a few weeks.

I hadn't thought about how the medication would effect the eggs. I'll just post it in my local chicken group and see if anyone wants it.

 

[ihc1256]

mix it with your layer feed. wont hurt them or you.

 

[Ancestra Farms]

When should I switch to layer feed?

 

[Pork Pie]

When should I switch to layer feed?

As soon as your hens begin to lay. You can alternatively or complimentarily have oyster shell in a separate feeder so they can eat it if they wish - they know when they are calcium deficient. The latter option is worth considering if you have a flock that is different ages.

CT

 

[P-Dog]

Do they know? My girls eat anything I put in there for them! I don't want to give them too much calcium...