Feeding chicks

[cindy57]

As I posted earlier I got some new chicks. They already have feathers. My question is that they were out of chick starter so can i feed them layer pellets till i can get the starter? I didn't figure it would hurt them since they are older. Do i really need starter?
thanks for any advice
cindy

 

[fiddlebanshee]

From all I have read and researched layer feed should only be fed to chickens that are actually laying or very near that point. So it depends on how old your chicks are. I understand that the added calcium in that feed and the lower protein content is not good for older chicks, they need a grower feed.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Won't hurt for a few days, but go shopping soon. I'd keep them on 18% starter/grower until 18 weeks. They simply don't need the high calcium and rather low protein of layer.

 

[cindy57]

Thanks for the info. Hopefully they will have some more chick starter when I go to work on Wed. If not I'll go to the feed store and pick it up.