medicated chick crumbs for older birds

[Chicalina]

I've got a load of chicks growing out in a flock of older birds. I stopped the medicated chick crumbs for the chicks at about 2 weeks old and switched to growers plus oyster shell for the whole flock because the chicks joined the flock with their broody. Flock had previously been on layers.

Now I have a huge 20kg bag with barely any used, and I don't want to waste it. I won't be raising any more chicks for a few years.

The chicks range from 7 to 10 weeks old, so long way from POL and most are male anyway.

My growers feed has nearly run out, so before I go to the feed store to buy more, I have a question.

My adult flock are all moulting. Nobody is laying any eggs right now. Can anyone see a problem with me using up the medicated chick starter on the flock?

The coccidiostat in it is labelled as A.C.S but I can't find any more info other than the ingredients of the feed are:

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

I'm not an expert but I would say that switching to your leftover chick starter (which should have highest protein compared to layer or grower feed) would be of benefit for those moulting. If you don't eat the eggs yourself while they are on starter with the coccidiostat additive then it wouldn't be a problem. Just with the option of calcium on the side for when they are laying.

 

[Chicalina]

that's a good point, I didn't think about the protein

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

My flock have been on starter or grower feed for a year now (because of chicks in the mix) and never had a bad moult. Then I separated some hens a few weeks ago and fed them layer feed and then they moulted worse then I've ever seen before. So I went back to feeding them all grower with the higher protein content. Better for roosters too I have heard - the higher calcium in layer feed is not good for them. So I'm sticking with Grower or Starter (with shells on the side) The brand I get has natural cocci meds so I can eat the eggs.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd just feed it. Or mix it 50/50 if you want to dilute out the amprolium (or whatever is used in UK) a bit.

 

[Chicalina]

thanks for the input, I'll give it to them!