All purpose poultry crumbles?

[ozarkchicks]

our chicks are about 5 weeks old. they live outside in their coop now and we are almost out of chick starter. we have a 50 lb bag of all purpose poultry crumbles. the chick starter should last a few more days. is it okay to start feeding them the all purpose crumbles when we run out of chick starter???
thanks!!!

 

[Demosthine]

That depends a lot on the formulation of the feed. What brand is it?

Ideally, you want between 16% and 20% protein content for starting chicks. You can lower the protein slightly if they are free-ranging, since they eat insects and worms. Also, you need to check the calcium content. If chicks get high levels of calcium, it will cause liver damage and other health problems.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Yes, read the label. All purpose likely means All Purpose. Similar to All Flock or Flock Raiser. I'd feed it. They'll rip through it just a few weeks anyhow. No sense letting it grow old in storage.

 

[Going Quackers]

Echoing the rest check the label but it is likely fine, mine are on a flock raiser/multi purpose and have been since chicks.