Can't find "grower" feed

[Creekchics]

We have four 15 week old chicks, three Pullets and one Roo, they have only eaten chick starter crumble so far.

I can't find feed labeled "grower" at the store, not sure what to do, I am going to buy the chick starter again to be safe, a bag should last maybe a month. Is there a way to tell other than "grower" on the label?

Also I realize the old rooster with the mature flock has been eating layer feed, what should I feed them? I read that grower feed with oyster shell on the side is best, but again haven't found it yet but will check the feed store tomorrow.

Picture of our baby roo a few weeks ago, he is sweet and likes to be carried like a baby.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not all feed brands sell grower, or it may be under a different name. It may be called all flock, flock raiser, hatch to hen, etc.

Ultimately the name of the feed doesn't matter, just the nutrition panel - for most breeds of chickens in a mixed age/gender flock, you'd want a feed that's somewhere in the range of 17-20% protein, with around 1% calcium. A little higher protein is fine, a little lower may be fine as well, depending on the birds and your needs.

 

[Creekchics]

Not all feed brands sell grower, or it may be under a different name. It may be called all flock, flock raiser, hatch to hen, etc.

Ultimately the name of the feed doesn't matter, just the nutrition panel - for most breeds of chickens in a mixed age/gender flock, you'd want a feed that's somewhere in the range of 17-20% protein, with around 1% calcium. A little higher protein is fine, a little lower may be fine as well, depending on the birds and your needs.

Thank you! That will help when I go look tomorrow

 

[Creekchics]

Not all feed brands sell grower, or it may be under a different name. It may be called all flock, flock raiser, hatch to hen, etc.

Ultimately the name of the feed doesn't matter, just the nutrition panel - for most breeds of chickens in a mixed age/gender flock, you'd want a feed that's somewhere in the range of 17-20% protein, with around 1% calcium. A little higher protein is fine, a little lower may be fine as well, depending on the birds and your needs.

I found all flock with 2.5% calcium and 20% protein so that's what I got, and will mix with the other brand with slightly less protein but all nice grains

 

[rosemarythyme]

I found all flock with 2.5% calcium and 20% protein so that's what I got, and will mix with the other brand with slightly less protein but all nice grains

That would work for me. I feed both starter + layer as my flock really likes their layer pellets, but the starter has higher protein and helps dilute down the calcium too.

 

[Creekchics]

That would work for me. I feed both starter + layer as my flock really likes their layer pellets, but the starter has higher protein and helps dilute down the calcium too.

I think mixing is a good idea, and I was going to put oyster shell in a bowl free choice, though not sure when it is safe to start offering as they are 16 weeks, I also give dry grubs and veggie scraps, so hopefully they will continue to thrive

 

[rosemarythyme]

I was going to put oyster shell in a bowl free choice, though not sure when it is safe to start offering as they are 16 weeks

You can put it out now. I always have it available and I've never seen chicks or young pullets eating it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree to put the oyster shell out now. I can't say I've never seen a male or non-laying female eat oyster shell, I have. But they shouldn't eat enough to hurt themselves. The ones that need it for eggshells should eat enough.

Mine forage for a lot of their food, a lot of that can be low-calcium forage. The ones not laying need some calcium for body function and bone growth. They might eat a small bit of the oyster shell to male up the difference so don't get worried if you see them eating a bit.