The bag said 24% chick starter so I grabbed it and took it home Saturday night.... when I noticed that it said turkey, chukar, etc. on the bag (nothing about chickens)! These are my first chicks ever 2 light brahmas, 2 black australorps and 2 araucanas. My question is can I feed them this or do I toss it?
First, take a deep breath. Breathe in, breathe out - we'll wait....
You can feed it to them. It shouldn't do them any harm as a feed. The one problem is that it might not be medicated. Chick starter invariably has a coccidiostat in it to prevent the disease, coccidiosis, from infecting your chicks.
Coccidiosis is a protozoan parasitic infection and is transmitted from other chickens in feces and tissue. It is similar to the protozoan that transmits malaria.
Since you've never had birds before, it is unlikely that your environs are infected with it. But I'd try to get some medicated as soon as possible and just use the other stuff by mixing it in ratio.
Would I be able to mix this feed with something else to bring the protein down?
Dont bother. Chicks can use it. What they dont use, they will evacuate in the copious amounts of poo you will soon be dealing with.
I have been trying to find information on the web and it is conflicting. Some sites say 20-22% others say that 24% will have them feathering out faster.
Im currently feeding mine a grower for general poultry that is 18% protein. It says 'grower' right on the bag. I said "Whoa, that's not enough."
The chicks are growing like weeds on it, contrary to all the experts.
Much of what we are told as gospel, isn't. Some of it is lab stuff and some comes from the commercial side of the house. Some of it is based on what some have done or seen, but may not apply in all cases.
Here're are my exclusive and bona-fide Five Rules of Chickens. Start with them.
1. Fresh feed and water.
Make it a solid ration, made by a reputable maker. Dont monkey with their feeding until you get a little more experience. Water should be fresh - goes without saying.
2. Sound shelter.
They need protection from the elements and lots of fresh air. LOTS of it. Build solid, but no need to overbuild. Keep them from feezing temps in winter and excess heat in summer. They dont like wide open, sunny areas, so give them shady cover and solve both problems. Above all, they don't need fancy.
3. Protection from pedators.
This can be fencing, wire, dogs, guns, or a combination of all of these. Whatever is needed. Take a hard look at your chicken yard and assume nothing. Everything wants a chicken dinner, so learn who may be inviting themselves for supper and what to do to stop them.
4. Space
Chickens need more than you think. If they are to be confined outside, quadruple whatever space you have allotted for them, add 50% more and then give 10% extra as a safety margin. Most newcomers (and many experienced keepers) make this same mistake.
Inside the coop, make it 4 sq ft. of floor space/bird.
90% of disease and most other problems is the result of overcrowding.
5. Cleanliness
Keep them clean and free of filth, feces and funk. Ventilate that coop to eliminate mildew. No mud or pooled water in the run, so ensure good drainage FIRST. Use mulch there, if need be.
If clean is good for you, it's good for chickens.
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Follow these and you will eliminate most of your problems at the outset. Hope this helps.
