When you’re raising chickens, the last thing you want is a sick flock. Respiratory infections, bacterial diseases, and other illnesses can spread quickly, leaving you scrambling for a solution. That’s where LA-200 (Oxytetracycline) comes in.
LA-200 is a long-acting antibiotic used in livestock, including poultry, to treat bacterial infections. But because it’s not specifically labeled for chickens, many backyard flock owners are left wondering:
- What’s the correct LA-200 dosage for chickens?
- How do you safely administer it?
- What are the risks and withdrawal periods?
This guide will cover everything you need to know about using LA-200 for chickens, from proper dosing and administration methods to safety precautions and alternatives.
Let’s dive in.
What Is LA-200 and How Does It Work?
LA-200 is an injectable broad-spectrum antibiotic containing oxytetracycline hydrochloride. It’s commonly used in cattle, pigs, and poultry to treat bacterial infections.
🔹 How It Works: LA-200 stops bacteria from growing by blocking protein synthesis, making it effective against respiratory diseases, wound infections, and some intestinal infections.
🔹 What It Treats in Chickens:
✔ Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) – Caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum
✔ Infectious Coryza – Swelling of the face, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing
✔ Bumblefoot (Severe Cases) – Stubborn bacterial infections in the footpad
✔ E. coli Infections – Bacterial overgrowth in the gut
✔ Open Wounds or Abscesses – Secondary infections after injury
🔹 Why It’s Used Off-Label for Poultry:
LA-200 is FDA-approved for cattle and swine, but not specifically for chickens. However, many experienced poultry keepers use it off-label under veterinary guidance because it’s effective and long-lasting.
LA-200 Dosage for Chickens
Since LA-200 is a long-acting antibiotic, one injection can last up to 3 days. This makes it more convenient than water-soluble antibiotics that require daily dosing.
🔴 LA-200 Injection Dosage for Chickens
✔ Dosage: 0.2 mL per pound of body weight
✔ Frequency: Once every 3 days (if needed)
✔ Maximum Doses: No more than 3 doses per bird
💉 Injection Example:
- A 5-pound chicken would get 1 mL of LA-200
- A 3-pound chicken would get 0.6 mL of LA-200
💡 Pro Tip: Always use a 1mL syringe with a 22- to 25-gauge needle for accurate dosing.
How to Administer LA-200 to Chickens
There are two ways to give LA-200 to chickens:
1️⃣ Intramuscular Injection (Most Effective)
The best way to give LA-200 is through an intramuscular (IM) injection into the breast muscle.
🔧 How to Inject LA-200 into a Chicken:
1️⃣ Restrain the chicken securely but gently.
2️⃣ Find the breast muscle—avoid bones and the crop.
3️⃣ Insert the needle at a slight angle (¼ inch deep).
4️⃣ Slowly inject the LA-200, then remove the needle.
5️⃣ Massage the area gently to reduce soreness.
🔹 Pros: Absorbed quickly, highly effective
🔹 Cons: Can cause muscle soreness, risk of tissue damage if overused
2️⃣ Subcutaneous Injection (Alternative Method)
If you’re nervous about injecting into the muscle, you can give LA-200 under the skin instead.
🔧 How to Inject LA-200 Subcutaneously:
1️⃣ Lift the loose skin on the back of the neck.
2️⃣ Insert the needle just under the skin.
3️⃣ Inject slowly, then remove the needle.
🔹 Pros: Less painful than muscle injection
🔹 Cons: Slower absorption, may be less effective
Side Effects & Risks of Using LA-200
While LA-200 is generally safe for chickens, misuse can cause serious health problems.
⚠ Common Side Effects:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Loss of appetite for a few hours after injection
- Diarrhea (rare, but possible)
🚨 Severe Risks (If Used Incorrectly):
- Tissue Necrosis (Muscle Death) – If injected too frequently in the same spot
- Kidney or Liver Damage – If overdosed
- Antibiotic Resistance – If used improperly or not completing the treatment
💡 Safety Tip: Rotate injection sites and never give more than three doses per bird.
Egg & Meat Withdrawal Periods
Since LA-200 is not FDA-approved for poultry, there’s no official withdrawal time for eggs. However, most poultry experts recommend:
📌 Egg Withdrawal: 30 days after the last injection
📌 Meat Withdrawal: 42 days before slaughter
🐔 Can You Eat Eggs While Using LA-200?
There’s no official guideline, but many owners discard eggs for at least a month to be safe.
Alternatives to LA-200 for Chickens
If you’re unsure about using injectable antibiotics, here are other options:
✔ Tylosin (Tylan 50 or Tylan 200) – Great for respiratory infections (can be mixed in water)
✔ Duramycin (Tetracycline Powder) – Treats bacterial infections through drinking water
✔ Baytril (Enrofloxacin) – Stronger antibiotic, but requires a vet prescription
✔ Herbal & Natural Remedies – Garlic, oregano oil, and apple cider vinegar can boost immunity
Preventing Bacterial Infections in Chickens
🐔 Antibiotics should be a last resort. The best way to keep your flock healthy is prevention.
✅ Keep coops clean & dry – Bacteria thrive in dirty, damp conditions.
✅ Improve ventilation – Reduces airborne bacteria and ammonia buildup.
✅ Quarantine new birds – Always isolate new chickens for 2 weeks before introducing them.
✅ Boost immunity – Use probiotics, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to keep their gut healthy.
✅ Check for early symptoms – Treat respiratory infections quickly before they spread.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use LA-200 for Chickens?
LA-200 can be a life-saving antibiotic when used correctly and responsibly. It’s effective, long-lasting, and widely available, but it’s not FDA-approved for chickens, so you must follow proper withdrawal times.
✅ Use LA-200 if:
✔ Your chicken has a severe respiratory infection or bacterial disease
✔ You need a long-acting antibiotic with minimal daily handling
✔ You understand safe dosing and injection techniques
🚫 Avoid LA-200 if:
✖ You prefer water-soluble antibiotics
✖ You cannot monitor withdrawal times for eggs or meat