Is this medication safe ?

[angel mom]

The vet gave me sulfadimethoxine to mix in the water for my laying hens for 6 days. I looked this up and it was said that you shouldn't give this to chickens because there hasn't been adequate studies on this drug or how long before you can eat the eggs. I have Plymouth Rocks and have lost 3 in 10 days and now another is acting the same way. Laying in the nesting box most of the time and doing a real soft cluck. They don't mind if I reach in and touch them. I did see one get up and drink some water but then right back to the nesting box. They are out of the box when they die. Has anyone had this happen or have any knowledge on the drug?

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

You really need to provide a lot more details.
general appearance, weight/condition
eating habits
poo findings (any bloody poo?)
egg habits
normal activity vs recent activity
temperature in your area (heat wave?)
examination findings
breathing pattern
discharge from eyes, nose
anything new in the environment?

I don't know what problem you think the antibiotic will treat.

 

[Eggcessive]

How old are the chickens that you have lost? What were their symptoms. Sulfadimethoxine is a sulfa antibiotic or sulfonamide drug that is used to treat coccidiosis, necrotic enteritis, an intestinal infection, fowl cholera, and the respiratory disease, infectious coryza. Do you know why your vet prescribed it? Sulfa antibiotics have been used for a long time, but in recent years, the FDA has discouraged use of antibiotics in chickens because of egg withdrawal times, and because of emerging antibiotic resistant bacteria from overuse.

 

[angel mom]

The chickens are 15 months old. We just had a spell of 90-100 degree weather. These chickens had been doing great. I had 12 and I was getting 9-11 large eggs daily. I have noticed lately that that some of the eggs have gotten smaller and I haven't gotten as many. I had not noticed any different behavior until they just laid in the nesting box. Physically they look fine. Hadn't seen any signs of sickness. The vet just said they needed an antibiotic. There was nothing on the bottle that said anything about discarding the eggs and thats what made me look it up. I will be calling the vet and asking and asking some questions. Thanks for the replies !!

 

[Eggcessive]

If they have no symptoms of sickness, don’t use an antibiotic. Sulfa antibiotics are only used for certain bacteria, and can be hard on chickens unless they are necessary. Most antibiotics require an egg withdrawal time. Hot weather and molting are reasons for a decrease in laying. Encourage yours to drink plenty of plain clean water in multiple shaded locations. Offer some watery feed occasionally or some scrambled egg for a treat. Make sure they have plenty of good ventilation and shade.