Feed store gave the wrong feed?

[Karrie13]

I just went to the store to buy another back of medicated chick starter for my chicks. Well when they guy carried my feed out he had a bag of medicated meat maker. I told him I thought this was the wrong stuff and he asked what I was feeding (again for the second time) and I told him chicks meant for laying. He said it would be ok to feed them this. Is this true? My chicks range from just a couple days old to 4 weeks old.

What do you think?

 

[horsejody]

Check the ingredients to see if they are comparable.

 

[Karrie13]

I will have to check them when I get home. The package said to feed to meat birds until they reach the desired weight, makes them grow faster. That description just scared me, I don't want my girls to grow to fast and not get the stuff they need.

 

[Akane]

What protein is it? Most likely it's just higher protein and it won't do them any harm. I use gamebird feed for most of my bantam chicks because I can't get nonmedicated here and the higher protein only makes them feather faster.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. The difference is probably in the protein %.

 

[Karrie13]

Thank you all for your responses. I went home and compared it to my chick starter and yes it is just a protein difference. My chick starter is 18% and the meat maker is 21%. I feel much better about giving it now.

Thank you!!

 

[Indiana hens]

Wish he would load my truck full!

 

[mechagrue]

My understanding - as a total newbie, mind - is that it doesn't REALLY matter THAT much what you feed your chicks. It is in the nature of chickens to grow.

The big feed issue comes when you switch them over to their big girl food. Layer feed has an extra dose of calcium, so that they don't have problems when it's time to lay their eggs.

I think your meat grower feed will be fine. Meat birds are genetically designed to put on a lot of muscle fast. They need a high protein food to support that growth, just like bodybuilders need protein shakes (or whatever). Your chicks may not be able to use the extra protein, but I don't think it will do them any harm.

Maybe your hens will turn out super ripped, like female bodybuilders! (Kidding.)