Feeding medicated layer feed

[RebekahM]

I'm not sure if the chickens I am about to recieve have been fed medicated layer feed or not. I know they are older hens. Is it safe to butcher them after a certain time on different feed or should I just let them live out their old lives? Thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've never heard of medicated layer feed. Medicated feed is usually for coccidiosis which isn't usually a problem once they are mature.
The only thing I've ever seen is medicated starter with a coccidiostat in it.

 

[donrae]

I'm also not aware of any medicated layer feed. The most common "medicated" chicken feed in the US contains amprolium, which isn't really a medication as most folks think of. It's a thiamine blocker, not an antibiotic. A quick google search shows there's no withdrawal time in poultry, and only one day in cattle, so it sounds like it would be pretty safe. But if your birds have been eating layer feed, chances are very good it's not medicated with anything.

 

[RebekahM]

Ok thanks! I thought egg ration layer feed was mesicated. I guess I was wrong! Thank you again

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There are some feeds with an antibiotic in them but they are very rare and I've never seen them shopping at over a couple dozen stores and access to a feed co-op with about 40 kinds of chicken feed.

Commercial egg and broiler farms that have their own mills do sometimes add things to their feed that aren't in what's available to the public.

Just read the label. It will have all the ingredients listed. Most of the things that are difficult to pronounce are stabilized vitamins.