Is there a difference between Grower and Maintenance feed?

[Leader Bee]

I can find starter feed quite easily but as i'm going to be keeping geese as pets with no intention of taking them to slaughter at any point i'm no sure what I need after they've grown out of this? I have a feeling that many of the suppliers that have "grower" or "finisher" pellets available do so under the intention that you are raising a goose for meat production?

If i've misunderstood and grower pellets are what I need, then great, problem solved, but I don't want to be supplying my birds with a more energy dense diet than necessary if it isn't going to be good for them in the long run.

Is there a difference then between grower/finisher and maintenance feeds and could anybody advise what I would need to use long term?

I'm in the uk so i'm not sure how easy it is to get hold of brands like Mazuri or Purina

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

A grower feed is like an All Flock feed. Do you know how much protein it has? That would be the real tell all. I'm giving my geese feed 18- 22% and they will not be eaten either.

 

[Leader Bee]

A grower feed is like an All Flock feed. Do you know how much protein it has? That would be the real tell all. I'm giving my geese feed 18- 22% and they will not be eaten either.

Yes I think i've seen it mention around 18-20% but being called "grower" I assumed this was a feed designed to fatten them up just before they were ready for the table

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

No, that's what I give them as feed. My geese don't finish it all, as they only eat what they want anyway.

 

[Leader Bee]

If that's all i need to keep feeding them as pets then that's wonderful. I'll find a brand I like and stick with that

Thank you @BirdsBeesTrees