Can chicks eat purina flock raiser

[Bryce Thomas]

So I have some large bags of purina flock raiser feed and I used up all my chick raiser and chick grower long ago and I was wondering if its safe for the chicks to live entirely on flock raiser feed? Thanks!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

So I have some large bags of purina flock raiser feed and I used up all my chick raiser and chick grower long ago and I was wondering if its safe for the chicks to live entirely on flock raiser feed? Thanks!

ABSOLUTELY.

Many BYC posters use All Flock/Flock Raiser (trade name varies by manufacturer) for all our birds, all their lives. - assuming its crumble, of course. If you have pellets, they can be a bit large. Add water, wait 2-3 min, stir to make an oatmeal like consistency, and your pellet problem is solved.

Chick Starter Grower comes in small bags (generally) and is relatively expensive. All Flock comes in big bags and (comparatively) is not. Nutritionally, they tend to be quite similar - check the labels! - though starter/grower is often medicated, while Flock Raiser/All Flock almost never is.

In the case of Purina...

Their Start & Grow is 18% Protein, 3% Fat, 5% Fiber, 1%+/- Calcium

Organic Starter is 18% Protein, 3% Fat, 5.5% fiber, 1%+/- Calcium

Flock Raiser is 20% Protein, 3.5% Fat, 5% Fiber, 1%+/- Calcium

So not only is the Flock Raiser cheaper, in the case of the Purina line, its nutritionally superior, and will help your bird bulk up faster.

/edit added links to back my claims.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

So I have some large bags of purina flock raiser feed and I used up all my chick raiser and chick grower long ago and I was wondering if its safe for the chicks to live entirely on flock raiser feed? Thanks!

That's what I feed mine. They free range too.

 

[Bryce Thomas]

ABSOLUTELY.

Many BYC posters use All Flock/Flock Raiser (trade name varies by manufacturer) for all our birds, all their lives. - assuming its crumble, of course. If you have pellets, they can be a bit large. Add water, wait 2-3 min, stir to make an oatmeal like consistency, and your pellet problem is solved.

Chick Starter Grower comes in small bags (generally) and is relatively expensive. All Flock comes in big bags and (comparatively) is not. Nutritionally, they tend to be quite similar - check the labels! - though starter/grower is often medicated, while Flock Raiser/All Flock almost never is.

In the case of Purina...

Their Start & Grow is 18% Protein, 3% Fat, 5% Fiber, 1%+/- Calcium

Organic Starter is 18% Protein, 3% Fat, 5.5% fiber, 1%+/- Calcium

Flock Raiser is 20% Protein, 3.5% Fat, 5% Fiber, 1%+/- Calcium

So not only is the Flock Raiser cheaper, in the case of the Purina line, its nutritionally superior, and will help your bird bulk up faster.

/edit added links to back my claims.

So I can feed them the flock raiser in the brooder? If so, thanks!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

So I can feed them the flock raiser in the brooder? If so, thanks!

Yes you can (as long as its not pellets, or its been de-pelletized)

 

[Folly's place]

That's what mine all eat too, and I don't bother making a water mix. Make sure you use it up within two or at most three months of the mill date, always.
And if your chicks do need the medicated chick starter, by all means feed that until they've been on your ground for about three weeks.
Mary

 

[JacinLarkwell]

My peanuts have started eating pellets at about 3 or 4 weeks old. They have access to grit though too since they're free ranging now.

 

[Brooks_]

I am in the flock raiser (cradle to grave) camp.
I have found it to a perfectly fine feed for my flock(s).

 

[U_Stormcrow]

...and, in the interest of full disclosure, after my comments above. I don't.

However, my management practice does not closely resemble that of the typical backyard chicken keeper. So my comments above should not be viewed as in any way hypocritical, the "All Flock, All the Time" (plus free choice oyster shell) isn't the most appropriate feed practice for my situation.

With time, research, experience, you will find what works for you - for most, AFAT-fcos works very well.