Chick starter 24 %

[Sea Wolf]

I like a higher protein chick starter because I mix two parts of it with one part Quaker quick oats. That brings the protein down but adds fiber and a real food quality. I also feed some hardboiled egg the first couple of weeks for animal protein. And I mix in or offer some chick grit.

Consider that you are not only diluting the protein but all the other nutrients in the feed as well. Doing this will actually cause a nutritional imbalance. These feeds are formulated to be exactly what they need at the early stage and they need nothing else. Supplementing the feed with treats will also throw off the nutrition but cutting the feed will do this even more so.

 

[NNYchick]

I would not mix with anything other than a lower protein starter. Here is a link to a poultry nutrition podcast with Jeff Mattocks a poultry nutritionist. In episode 2 he talks about feeding chicks and actually recommends a higher protein turkey starter to start with then discussed how to stage it down. https://www.breedersacademy.com/ep35-interview-with-jeff-mattocks-about-poultry-nutrition-part-1/
I personally used a chick and game starter for my last round of chicks and I really like it. I prefer higher protein game feed over layer feed for my silkies all the time.

 

[Mossy Dell]

Consider that you have to know what you are raising, how, and why. As a third generation poultryman, I do. If you need the "complete feed," or are unsure what you are doing, that's what you need.