How important is starter feed?

[FyshWyfe]

My chicks are now about 8-9 weeks old and are free ranging around the fenced yard all day long. They're eating grass and bugs and dandelions and whatever else they want (including my grape leaves and roses!). We have one adult laying hen who roams with them and shares the coop. I want to discontinue the medicated starter feed b/c I don't want her eating it (and hence laying medicated eggs, KWIM?).
So, I know the bag says to feed them starter until they're 12 weeks, but is that really that important? Can I switch them to Flock Raiser or Layenna?

 

[Celtic Chick]

No. They are too young for that. You must now put them on Grower/Finisher feed until they are laying age, usually 16 to 20 weeks of age. They carry it at Tractor Supply.

From TSC website:
Chicks, because they’re babies, need different kinds of food from adult birds. Commercial feed companies formulate chick starter feed with more of the protein that these babies need — 16 to 22 percent. They can transition to adult feed at about 16 weeks.

Never give chicks adult feed. The minerals in it, especially calcium, which is important for laying hens, can severely damage a chick’s kidneys.

For feed, start chicks on a 20% protein (24% protein for broilers) starter ration. At 8-10 weeks old, switch chicks to 18-19% chick grower.

Here is a link to the feed you will need:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/livest...oultry-grower-finisher-15-feed-50-lb--5078171

Here is a link to caring for chicks on TSC's website:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/knowhow/chicks/livestock_care_caring_for_new_chicks

 

[Frannabelle]

I've raised 3 hatchings on Flock Raiser plus scrambled egg and my chicks have been just fine, have thrived on it. I can only get medicated baby feed near me and never wanted my adult birds to eat it, so I've stuck with the Flock Raiser. Just be sure to give them extra protein from eggs, bugs etc

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Switch them to Flock Raiser. I have a flock of birds of all ages and multiple species (chickens, ducks, guineas, chukar), and they all do great on it. I've raised many a chick on Flock Raiser and keep my adult flock on it, and everyone thrives.

 

[Judy]

Flock Raiser is fine but a layer feed is not, as it can damage kidneys an other organs. I feed my mixed age flock a flock raiser, and offer oyster shell separately so the layers can get extra calcium if needed.