Chick starter for mature hens?

[Gaettberry]

Hi, I’m here to ask a few questions.

Can mature hens eat chick starter on the regular? I have them laying pellets and oyster shells and feed their shells back to them. I have 150 lbs of chick starter from growing chicks over this last spring/summer and need to use it before it gets gross. I am offering them a second feeder with medicated chick starter at the moment. Is there any negatives?
Thanks
-garrett

 

[WingItRanch]

Absolutely! As long as you have oyster shell on the side, there is no reason you can't keep them on chick starter. It's higher protein so probably better for them anyway. Is the 150lb amount of chick starter medicated, though?

 

[Gaettberry]

Absolutely! As long as you have oyster shell on the side, there is no reason you can't keep them on chick starter. It's higher protein so probably better for them anyway. Is the 150lb amount of chick starter medicated, though?

It is medicated. That’s what I’m concerned about if it’s going to mess with their egg laying. Or possibly have adverse effects..

 

[aart]

It is medicated. That’s what I’m concerned about if it’s going to mess with their egg laying. Or possibly have adverse effects..

What is the 'medication'?
Should say on the bag somewhere.

How old is this feed?
MFG date should also be on bag somewhere.
Older feed can lose it's nutrition.

 

[Gaettberry]

What is the 'medication'?
Should say on the bag somewhere.

How old is this feed?
MFG date should also be on bag somewhere.
Older feed can lose its nutrition.

The medication is Amprolium, MFG date is not listed I probably tore the tag off and can’t find anything on the bag about MFG date.

 

[aart]

The medication is Amprolium, MFG date is not listed I probably tore the tag off and can’t find anything on the bag about MFG date.

The Amprolium isn't a problem for adult birds or their eggs.

What brand feed is it?
Purina feeds have the MFG date printed on the sew strip on the bottom of the bag.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Just to reenforce what Aart said. There is no withdrawal period for feeds with Amprolium. That means you can safely eat the eggs or meat.

That feed will not have enough calcium for egg layers so offer extra calcium on the side. I use oyster shell.