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Game Bird Starter Feed (Switch to Chick Starter?)

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by Sk8inChick(en), Jul 25, 2013.

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  1. Jul 25, 2013 #1
    Sk8inChick(en)

    Sk8inChick(en) Songster 7 Years

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    I just got some week-old chicks yesterday, and at the farm they came from, they were given game bird starter feed, which has a higher protein count. I would like to switch them to medicated chick starter feed, and I'm not sure how to transition. I mixed a small amount of the chick starter in with the game starter, but I am unsure of the proportions to give of each.

    If anyone has any experience or advice on this, it would be greatly appreciated!


    Thank you!
     
  2. Jul 25, 2013 #2
    CochinBrahmaLover

    CochinBrahmaLover Girl, I'm FABulous

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    Warm.... Under a blanket... In Alaska...
    You can switch them right away, or do 3:1 for a few days, then do 2:1 a few days, then 1:1, then 1/2:1, then just chick food. Higher protein is good for growing chicks.
    Live stock are much more suceptible to food transitions due to they need different bacterial, not so much chickens.
     
    1 person likes this.
  3. Jul 25, 2013 #3
    Fred's Hens

    Fred's Hens Crowing Premium Member

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    Up North when it's hot, Down South when it's not.
    Just switch them. We've switched starter feeds many times, mid course, and the chicks just gobble up whatever is provided.
     
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  4. Jul 25, 2013 #4
    Sk8inChick(en)

    Sk8inChick(en) Songster 7 Years

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    May 12, 2011
    The Show-Me State
    Thank you!
    The reason I want to switch is that I had heard that higher protein could cause pasting issues with chicks. There hasn't been any problem with that, but I assumed that chick feed would be best. Is higher protein a better option?
    Thank you!
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2013
  5. Jul 26, 2013 #5
    CochinBrahmaLover

    CochinBrahmaLover Girl, I'm FABulous

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    Warm.... Under a blanket... In Alaska...
    Higher protein = faster growing chicks. Up to you, chick feed is fine nutrional wise so if its what ya got, feed it to em ;)
     
  6. Jul 26, 2013 #6
    Sk8inChick(en)

    Sk8inChick(en) Songster 7 Years

    638
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    May 12, 2011
    The Show-Me State
    Thanks! SInce these birds are pets, faster growing isn't that important to me. Thanks for the info!
     

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