Effect of medicated chick feed on layers?

[Heather J]

I'm is a tough spot right now because I can either feed my mixed flock layer feed (including the eight-week-olds--which I know is not the best idea) or I can feed them medicated chick feed. My local feed store doesn't have anything else except grain and scratch.

Will the medicated feed be a problem for the layers? The past few days I've fed everyone layer because I can't keep the adults out of the chick feed. I'll be going out of town next weekend and can hopefully find some non-medicated grower somewhere else, but I'm not holding my breath at the moment.

Any suggestions?

 

[Cuban Longtails]

It won't hurt the layers, but they will need some calcium supplemented in the form of free choice oyster shell or egg shells.

The layer food, because of the extra calcium, tends to be rough on the kidneys of non-layers.

 

[silkiechicken]

As long as the medication is Amprolium, you can even eat the eggs no problem. Just do as ChicknGurl says and add oystershell for calcium in a dish on the side.

 

[Heather J]

Thanks, I'll have to look at the bag when I get home and see what medication is in it. I have oyster shell out all of the time.