Feed Chicks Same as The Rest?

[MesMama]

In the feed I am using the starter has 20% protein and the grower has 17%, how important is that 3%? The starter is ground :/ Kind of wanting to avoid ground because my bigs toss it out of the feeders and waste it grrr.

 

[MesMama]

Maybe I could do a mash instead of feeding it in feeders? (Sorry, thinking out loud here, asking a million questions rapid fire and REALLY showing my green-ness LOL)

 

[Folly's place]

Which feed? It depends; I have been blessed here, haven't had a coccidia problem, so I feed an unmedicated grower feed. If coccidia is an issue, feed medicated chick starter for the first six week or so, before gradually switching to a grower feed. You can have layer in a feeder too high for the chicks to reach too. Mary

 

[MesMama]

The brand of feed were using isn't medicated, the starter or the grower versions. I was thinking of using the grower in a mash for everyone from the start, but am concerned it's not enough protein for the littles?

 

[MesMama]

Oh and also, using it as a mash I don't have to worry about the olders flicking out the ground stuff
the starter won't hurt the olders will it?