Amprolium isn't actually an antibiotic. It's an anti-parasitic. It's not something the chickens can build an immunity to because their body doesn't actually use it. The amprolium travels along the digestive tract (and isn't absorbed) waiting to be eaten by coccidia. It then affects the way coccidia process thiamine, which kills it. It doesn't go in and lay waste to the coccidia that are there already, and it doesn't actively keep the chicken from growing them. The coccidia have to eat it for it to work. Because it isn't absorbed by the chicken, the meat and eggs are safe to eat with zero withdrawal. Just because it's safe, doesn't mean you should or shouldn't use it. The coccidia are more of a worry once the chickies are exposed to dirt, grass and other chickens (birds in general too, I think) because the coccidia can live in egg form for a very long time.
The word "medicated" has so many meanings. In the general sense it means medication is added. But, where do we draw the line as to what is medication and what is not? Aspirin is definitely, but what about the vitamins I have to take to help with blood clotting issues? B6 and B12, added in large amounts, prescribed by a doctor. Does that make them medication. What about adding iodine to salt? It helps keep thyroid problems at bay. If that isn't a medically induced practice then I don't know what is.
It's up to everyone to make their own choices, but you should have access to all the info when you make them.
This got me thinking about the GMO stuff and peoples mentality surrounding it. I agree that GMOs aren't really a good thing, BUT, I don't think we should be all crazy "OMG ALL GMOs ARE BAD!!11!!!!!1!!!" What about cross pollination? If you save the seeds from a cross pollinated plant, you are planting a genetically modified seed. Naturally modified, but modified none the less.
blah, sorry about the rant.
