layers eating medicated chick starter

[dftkarin]

I have a mother hen and her 6 babies semi-separated from my 3 adult laying hens but sometimes some of the medicated chick starter gets spilled a bit, or scattered around by the chicks - and I think that the adults might come along and find a bit and eat it. I know layers can't have medicated food - but how dangerous is it if they get a little bit of it? Is there any way to know if they had too much? What happens to the eggs? What happens if a laging hen eats medicated feed?

 

[Judy]

Quote:
There is no problem with layers eating medicated feed, if it is medicated with amprolium. The eggs are also fine to eat.

 

[spook]

For me, my layers ate medicated chick starter and they would cough. Don't be concerned as she is also teaching them how to eat.

 

[dftkarin]

Really???? I thought that if laying hens ate medicated feed, I needed the throw out their eggs - so I was scared. I Am letting my momma hen eat only medicated feed because I figure she won;t be laying for a while anyway, but the other hens still nibble bits of the scattered medicated chick starter. Its such a relief to hear that its not a big deal. Are you sure its okay? I have Agway brand medicated chick starter - I'm not sure exactly what its medicated with...I'll go check out their web site. (I only bought 5lb and it came in a clear plastic bag)