Grow mash vs starter mash

[plantguy90]

Well, this new chicken raising addiction of mine has put me in a situation. Got my first batch of silkies chicks on march 16, added one 2 day old RIR more a week later, two weeks after that found a 2 week old BO to toss in the brooder, and now I just tossed another 2-3week old BR to the mix. Then I realized the younger ones are suppose to be eating different feed. So how different are grow vs starter? I dont want to separate them as they all get along so well, and right now they are eating grow. But whats in starter that the younger ones aren't getting or whats in grow that could be bad for the younguns?

 

[ChickenToes]

I keep all my birds on starter until they begin laying eggs, then I switch to layer feed. I think the only difference (someone please correct me if I'm wrong!!) between starter and grower is the protein level.

 

[plantguy90]

One local feed stor just told me the opposite, that she only uses starter for new chicks out of the box, and after one day they are on grow...

???

 

[Gonzo]

Well, I've always feed starter until they reach point of lay. Our feedstore doesn't even carry a grower. The nutrena we feed is this : http://www.nutrenaworld.com/nutrena/products/poultry/naturewise-chick-starter/index.jsp