How much protein should be in chick starter?

[BWchicken]

My chicks are coming in August! I plan to give medicated starter at first, then switch to unmedicated grower. But I have a couple questions:

1. How much protein should be in medicated starter feed?
(I can get it locally but I'm not sure how much protein is in it)

2. How long until I switch to unmedicated grower?
(the unmedicated feed I can get locally is a 20% starter/grower)

Thanks!

 

[Chris623]

Personally, I vote against medicated feeds...........starter or otherwise.

Protein content for chicks should be 20% or higher. I use Manna Pro's Gamebird/Showbird crumbles. Marvelous stuff and 24% protein. My chicks are growing like weeds on it.

To answer your second question...............you can feed the Gamebird/Showbird until they are ready for "big chicken" feed...........around 20 weeks, or when they start laying eggs. (if egg production is what you are after)