The only or rather main difference will be protein level and whether they are medicated or not. Most other differences are minor.
This was very helpful, I'm currently feeding them Dumor non medicated chick starter I think its 24% can I feed them the the finisher/grower that's 20% would that 4% make a difference ?The only or rather main difference will be protein level and whether they are medicated or not. Most other differences are minor.
I feed everyone Purina flock raiser with 20% protein and about 1% calcium. It works well for my chicks and my adult birds with oyster shell on the side for active layers. My birds are always at different stages in life.
Grower, finisher, flock raiser, all flock, starter... all confusing terms and each company uses their own. The tag sewn on the bottom will tell you the guaranteed analysis for the most important nutrients. I saw starter at Wally, maybe manna pro that was ONLY 18%. While some growers are 18% and some other starters will be 20-22% protein.... The label at the bottom also has the ingredients listed. I buy what's available to me at a price I can afford and a recent mill date. This may vary by region and by store I pay as much as $3 for the same feed. But freshness matters to me. One other difference I can think of in feeds might be pellets verses crumble. Small chicks may have a hard time with pellets.
In other words.. feed it too them when you want... just not layer since the protein is low and the calcium is high (for growing non laying birds). Keeping it simple works pretty well!
If they haven't ventured outside yet, maybe bring in a plug of dirt. Grass, roots, and all. It works as great enrichment plus exposes them to some of the bacteria on your pasture before they go out full time so they can build some resistance. Presuming that it's pesticide and herbicide free.
Most importantly to me... don't feed scratch. But if you do, NOT more than 10% of their total daily ration since it is low in protein and doesn't have the added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that a formulated ration does.
Sorry so long... but hope it helps.
The only or rather main difference will be protein level and whether they are medicated or not. Most other differences are minor.
I feed everyone Purina flock raiser with 20% protein and about 1% calcium. It works well for my chicks and my adult birds with oyster shell on the side for active layers. My birds are always at different stages in life.
Grower, finisher, flock raiser, all flock, starter... all confusing terms and each company uses their own. The tag sewn on the bottom will tell you the guaranteed analysis for the most important nutrients. I saw starter at Wally, maybe manna pro that was ONLY 18%. While some growers are 18% and some other starters will be 20-22% protein.... The label at the bottom also has the ingredients listed. I buy what's available to me at a price I can afford and a recent mill date. This may vary by region and by store I pay as much as $3 for the same feed. But freshness matters to me. One other difference I can think of in feeds might be pellets verses crumble. Small chicks may have a hard time with pellets.
In other words.. feed it too them when you want... just not layer since the protein is low and the calcium is high (for growing non laying birds). Keeping it simple works pretty well!
If they haven't ventured outside yet, maybe bring in a plug of dirt. Grass, roots, and all. It works as great enrichment plus exposes them to some of the bacteria on your pasture before they go out full time so they can build some resistance. Presuming that it's pesticide and herbicide free.
Most importantly to me... don't feed scratch. But if you do, NOT more than 10% of their total daily ration since it is low in protein and doesn't have the added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that a formulated ration does.
Sorry so long... but hope it helps.
Ducks don't have stronger shells than oyster as far as I know.
Use that starter feed up, if it's unmedicated. Your birds will enjoy it and it won't go to waste. If you have OS on the side it's perfectly fine for layer too. If you want mix it with your current feed in halfers and get the nutrient density midway between the two until it's gone.
That is an inaccurate statement.
If you were trying to grow your birds out for processing soon, then it might make a difference. But 20% is PLENTY of protein and ALL your birds should do fine. I will say, that I haven't heard lots of good things about Dumor... which I think might be made for TSC by Purina?... It SHOULD be fine but if you have the Purina flock raiser available at a close or equal price I MIGHT consider switching. Not that I think it's perfect, but I haven't heard a lot of people complaining about bird condition like I have with the dumor. So just be aware. I'm sure there are plenty of people who do feed Dumor and never have issues also... they just aren't the ones I heard about.
