1 month apart chicks

[aart]

27% protein poultry and game starter.

That might be a bit high in the protein dept.....might be why the stink.
Most layer chick starters are around 20%.

 

[Manhen]

Local stores seem to think its a good thing. I have been adding greens, about 1.5 cups for the 27 birds. Mix of clover flowers, and a veggie only mix from a salad my extended family did not eat. One gladiola. I am concerned, I know it is crowded a bit, about picking. I did not dilute the protein out because of that. I have been looking for someone to speak in caution about it. What would the negative effect be?

 

[aart]

Local stores seem to think its a good thing. I have been adding greens, about 1.5 cups for the 27 birds. Mix of clover flowers, and a veggie only mix from a salad my extended family did not eat. One gladiola. I am concerned, I know it is crowded a bit, about picking. I did not dilute the protein out because of that. I have been looking for someone to speak in caution about it. What would the negative effect be?

I'm no expert on feed, but an appropriate starter ration is important to get them off to a good start.
I use a 20% Flock Raiser for all my birds and don't give any 'treats' until a few months old. I would not try to dilute a high protein feed with veggies...I hope you've provided some granite grit with those 'greens'....they need the vitamins/minerals/amino acids in the feed.
Just because it's in a book or store staff 'says so'...I feel it's best to do my own research and decide how I want to feed. There's lots of ways to get there, so you have to weigh the options, add some common sense and decide for yourself.
Might want to browse the feeding forum and/or start new thread there for a full discussion.

 

[Manhen]

use a 20% Flock Raiser for all my b

Could be, I am a surveyor for things like this. Storey's indicates a minimum of 22% for chicks, and if I remember right the hatchery's recommendation was a higher protein. The greens weren't to dilute the feed, but as was recommended by Storey's (in moderation). Grit is on the list. I have a chat driveway, they could eat that no? (When UL ran this farm that was what was allowed for the free range flock he had.)