ingredients for chick starter...

[Autumn Mama]

I have new chicks arriving in a few days and would like to know this: does the chick starter I have sound good? It is 22% protein, with the first three ingredients being: wheat, barley and wheat mill, followed by soy meal and canola meal... etc

I'm wondering whether the chick starter needs to be protein sourced from animals or is the grain based adequate? We are growing the hens for laying and following the organic standards for our area.

Is there a concern with introducing soy to female birds?

I will be brooding them indoors and then acclimatizing them to a coop over 6 weeks. We're in BC, Canada. They will free range often for natural foods when outdoors via a tractor...

Thanks for any input!!

 

[jhm47]

There should be plenty of protein in that feed, however, is it a balanced (amino acid profile) feed? Animal protein is not a bad thing for chickens. They naturally eat bugs, worms, mice, and many other things when free ranging. It is most important that they get a well balanced diet when young and developing. You might want to supplement their diet with an animal protein source, such as cat food if you are not sure. It won't hurt them, and might do them a lot of good.