22% protein until 18 weeks?

[minou33]

The lady at the homestead supply store somehow convinced me that I needed a 50lb. bag of chick starter for 6 chicks! The starter is Modesto Milling Chick Starter and Broiler Grower at 22% protein. My chicks are layers (not broilers,) so I'm wondering if I can continue using this feed until they transition to layer? Even the directions on the feed package aren't clear...feeding directions say to feed chicks up to 9 weeks and their website says till 18 weeks. What protein % should grower feed be for chicks? And would it harm my pullets to keep them on this feed until 18 weeks? TY!!!!!

 

[nuthatched]

You can feed it to adults after laying, provided, you provide oyster shell.

 

[Silexian]

It should not be detrimental to your chicks. The start and grow feed that I use is 18% protein. It is formulated for layers. A lot of people like to feed a higher protein feed. My chicks grow out well and become perfectly healthy, productive adults on the lower protein feed. So I see no need to switch.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

22% is what i feed my birds I do not feed layer as its useless. They need protien not a layer feed theres not enough calcium even in layer feed to make a difference

 

[minou33]

22% is what i feed my birds I do not feed layer as its useless. They need protien not a layer feed theres not enough calcium even in layer feed to make a difference

You keep your layers at 22% protein? Interesting! I'll look into this more.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

You keep your layers at 22% protein? Interesting! I'll look into this more.

Yes and I have been for years

 

[Happy hen lover]

I would stay at that level of protein too. The more protein the more they lay IMO. I supplemented with additional sources of protein when using layer feed but I now have chicks too so I'm feeding chick starter now then will switch to all flock. They still lay fine . I do have 2 sources of oyster shell for them.

 

[Jstaz]

Along these lines, I started feeding my chicks the first bag pictured. After their first 5 weeks we need more feed. I currently use the Layer 22 for my hens. Can I use the Layer 22 for the pullets or need to stick with the starter/grower?

 

[Brooks_]

Along these lines, I started feeding my chicks the first bag pictured. After their first 5 weeks we need more feed. I currently use the Layer 22 for my hens. Can I use the Layer 22 for the pullets or need to stick with the starter/grower?View attachment 3175897View attachment 3175899

"Layer" tells me that it probably has too much calcium for non-layers.