Therefore, they should not be added to diets for laying birds. They will be listed on the tags for either complete feeds or supplements. A veterinarian, poultry nutritionist, or the feed supplier should be consulted with respect to feeding any medication. Coccidiostats are usually given to chickens and turkeys to prevent the parasitic infection, coccidiosis. Care must be taken when feeding a mixed flock, as there are sometimes conflicts, and an acceptable coccidiostat for one species may harm or kill another.
Birds can gradually develop immunity to coccidiosis.
Anti-coccidial medication can be used in young birds for protection and gradually eliminated with age to promote the development of an immune response. The use of enzymes in poultry feeds has become more common in recent years. It is most effective in diets containing barley and oats. Pentosanases are often used to improve the value of low quality wheat. Enzymes are often included in complete feeds, but may not be found in the supplements.