Feed store mistake

I have 5 four month old chickens - 4 pullets, 1 cockerel. I went to the feed store yesterday & asked for organic grower feed and when I got home I realized they gave me broiler grower crumbles. Should I return it? Or is it ok to give my chickens?

I'd say go back. Your hens are pretty close to laying age, so that much protein won't be to good for them.
-Liv

It's fine, probably just a little higher protein that won't hurt a thing but your pocket book a little more and make the poop a little more stinky if they don't utilize the extra protein...

Without knowing the exact feed you have, I can only generalize but most broiler feeds are only a percent or two higher then regular grower, nothing to worry about in the big picture...

MeepBeep said:

It's fine, probably just a little higher protein that won't hurt a thing but your pocket book a little more and make the poop a little more stinky if they don't utilize the extra protein...

Without knowing the exact feed you have, I can only generalize but most broiler feeds are only a percent or two higher then regular grower, nothing to worry about in the big picture...

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I agree. I don’t know what percentage protein that particular broiler feed is but it’s probably fine. People on here feed their chickens that age anything from 15% to 20% protein feeds, it’s not a big deal. If that particular feed is much higher you can always get a low protein feed and mix them to bring the overall protein level down. If you feed a lot of relatively low treats that’s even less important. Some people feed a 20% Flock Raiser and feed them high protein treats in addition. People like to think there is some rule where they have to micromanage every bite their chickens eat. Not so, you have a wide range of protein levels that can work fine. Oher than Layer with the extra calcium, the only significant difference in any of those feeds is the protein content and they can handle a pretty wide range of protein levels.

At that age your pullets may not be that far from laying. If you provide oyster shell on the side you do not need to switch to Layer when they start. Many of us never switch to Layer, we just feed Grower or Flock Raiser, something like that, and offer a calcium supplement on the side. The ones that need the extra calcium for the egg shells normally eat it. Those that don’t need the extra calcium might eat a bit but not enough to hurt themselves. So no need to worry about wasting that feed if the start laying. Just keep feeding it with oyster shell on the side until the bag runs out before you switch, if you want to switch. There is nothing wrong with putting out oyster shell now.

It's 15% protein vs 19% protein...

Personally I’d just feed it and not worry about it, it is within a safe range. If you are concerned get another bag of the 15% and mix them to bring the overall protein level down. It’s really not a big deal.

Ok thank you everyone! This is my first year and I'm kind of a worrier. You've put my mind at ease.

They are 17 and a half weeks. I would bring it back and get a layers feed with at least 16% protein. If you are worried about the calcium for your cockerel, I wouldn't be. Then feed them a start and grow with 18% protein with crushed oyster shell on the side.
I prefer 18% protein but I wouldn't use less than 16%. GC