This ensures the chickens eat plenty of vitamins for proper health. Higher levels usually are not harmful, but extra vitamins are unnecessary and expensive. Minerals Layer feeds are fed only to laying hens, and laying hens are fed only layer feed. Layer feed fed to chicks will reduce growth and place unnecessary stress on chicks. Medicated Feeds Poultry feeds are available with several types of medications for preventing or treating diseases.
Coccidiosis is hard to control by sanitation practices alone.
It is best prevented by feeding a coccidiostat, which is a drug added to feed at low levels and fed continuously to prevent coccidiosis. Feed broilers a ration containing a coccidiostat until the last week before slaughtering. Feed an unmedicated feed this last week. Mature chickens develop a resistance to coccidiosis if allowed to contract a mild infection of the disease. Birds raised for placement in the laying flock are fed a coccidiostat feed until about 16 weeks of age.