First Egg and "Left-over" starter feed

[Fire-Chicken]

Ive got a couple of questions...

Briefly, I've got 2 Buff Orpingtons and 2 Americaunas. They were hatched on February 14, 2012 and I just got my first egg late last night or early this morning, July 1, 2012. I think it's great, the one Buff (Nancy) is an over-achiever, laying the first at only 18 weeks old. Knowing that the other 3 aren't far behind, here's my questions...

First, what do I do with the, almost full 25 pound bag, of starter feed, after the first egg (from one of four chicks) is laid? Can I buy some layer feed and mix the two together as not to waste the starter, or, do I just toss it out? And, is it ok for the other 3 to start eating layer feed?

Secondly, the first egg was smaller, about the size of a golf ball, but PERFECTLY shaped. Is it ok to eat due to its size, or the medicated chick starter (Nutrena brand) she's been eating?

Third, my chickens free-range about 4-5 times a week for at least 3 hours each time. Should I still offer oyster shell in a separate feeder by their food?

The food question is the one I'm mostly interested in. I've scoured all over the posts here and have not found an answer.

Thanks for all your help and input, in advance!

Fire-chicken
Naples, FL

 

[mnferalkitty]

First, what do I do with the, almost full 25 pound bag, of starter feed, after the first egg (from one of four chicks) is laid? Can I buy some layer feed and mix the two together as not to waste the starter, or, do I just toss it out? And, is it ok for the other 3 to start eating layer feed? Is the chick food medicated? If yes I would not use it. Give it away to someone that has chicks if it is medicated. Start everyone on layer, The others can eat layer feed to it won't hurt them.

Secondly, the first egg was smaller, about the size of a golf ball, but PERFECTLY shaped. Is it ok to eat due to its size, or the medicated chick starter (Nutrena brand) she's been eating? You can't eat the egg if you are using medicated feed, check the bag and printed on it somewhere is going to be info on how long the chicken needs to be off of medicated feed before you can consume the egg, its call withdrawal period.

Third, my chickens free-range about 4-5 times a week for at least 3 hours each time. Should I still offer oyster shell in a separate feeder by their food? Yes still offer the oyster shell if they don't need it they won't eat it, if they need it they will eat it.

 

[Fire-Chicken]

Thanks so much for the input!
To answer your question and to help others reading this thread...
Nutrena chick starter (the purple bag) has amprolium in it. And the company states that "for meat birds, there is no withdrawal period. I'm not sure if this goes for the eggs as well, but, I think I'll change tier feed tomorrow and give it 3 to 4 days before I eat en egg.

Again, thanks so much!

 

[mamarock]

How exciting to get your first egg!