Accidentally bought broiler fed

[cdysard1]

Hi all,
I accidently bought broiler feed from a mill. I asked for grower and he said yea, we have broiler and I guess I just misheard.
Anyway,
I have chicks and layers and am a little stressed because the plan was to give them all grower as I integrate them and just have oyster shells for the big girlies.
Is there anything I can do to even out the protein for the feed to make it safe for all my girls?
Thanks in advance

 

[DobieLover]

What is the protein content in the broiler mash? My local mill sells it at 22%. I buy it all the time along with a bag of Nutrena starter grower crumble. The Nutrena is at 18%. I feed 50/50 of each to hit 20% protein and I feed that to my flock year-round. I ferment the broiler mash and feed the crumble in long troughs made from 4" PVC pipe and suspended at chest height.

 

[cdysard1]

What is the protein content in the broiler mash? My local mill sells it at 22%. I buy it all the time along with a bag of Nutrena starter grower crumble. The Nutrena is at 18%. I feed 59/50 of each to hit 20% protein and I feed that to my flock year-round. I ferment the broiler mash and feed the crumble and long troughs.

I believe what he said was 22%. So I should just go buy a grower and mix it in? I really don’t want to go and return!

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I believe what he said was 22%. So I should just go buy a grower and mix it in? I really don’t want to go and return!

How big is your flock? Can you get through a new bag of each while the feed is still fresh? If so, I would definitely do that.

 

[DobieLover]

I believe what he said was 22%. So I should just go buy a grower and mix it in? I really don’t want to go and return!

That would work. Or just measure out the same volume of each for daily feeding. Most birds don't like eating powder. That is why I ferment the mash. I also store my feed inside my house so I purchase 100# at a time and go through it about every 3 weeks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I assume your concern is the protein content. The proportions of the rest of the ingredients should be within acceptable limits. Some people on here are happy with that high level of protein but it is higher than my preference. If you have any other specific concerns, what are they?

Do yours forage for much of their food? If they do they will probably balance it out themselves.

You should be OK just feeding that bag to them, then switch back when that bag runs out. I don't think it would injure them. Or get another low protein feed and mix the two so you have the protein content closer to where you want it. If you mix them I'd keep the feed form the same. If it is mash get mash, crumbles get crumbles, pellets get pellets. Otherwise they may selectively eat one. Or give them one until they finish it then feed the other. Just balance as best you can. I would not worry about being too precise.

I do not see this as an emergency. You and they will be OK.