Difference between grower/starter and finisher broiler feed

[BirdGirl2004]

I would not start them on 22% because I'd be afraid of them growing even faster than they already do and running into leg/foot problems.

Ok, I would agree with you. The difference in my chickens, is that they get a big chicken tractor where they can run around all day and graze in the grass. They don't always go for just the food either. And they exercise some of the weight off! thank you so much for all your help, and I'll take this in for consideration next time I go to do meat birds again!

 

[TK421]

The OP is asking whether it’s ok to finish them with Grower, not to start them with Grower.

 

[RUNuts]

Mine started with 20% chick starter. The poop was nasty, stinky. I changed to 18% and the clean up improved. I left mine on 18% and let them roam. They acted like fat chickens. All would run around the tractor. I'd open the tractor and they would explore the garden. Eat a bit too. Still went bonkers for the feed. I tried to make it free choice. Only 1 had leg problems and died a week before processing. I blame genetics. See if the next batch is any different.

In my very limited experience, the higher protein feed increases the stink. Others on this forum say the high protein increase ammonia in the poop and the resulting gag factor. I'm inclined to agree with them. After 8 weeks, I'm happy with the way they grew on 18% protein and tractor life. I'm not overly concerned with size as I am with taste. Taste was good.

 

[Mosey2003]

The OP is asking whether it’s ok to finish them with Grower, not to start them with Grower.

Yes, and we covered that. Conversations take different turns sometimes