Is this feed ok to feed my chicks?

[nittanyxi]

I'm having chicks delivered next week and I got a bag of starter feed from Agway. when I got home and looked at the bag they loaded into the trunk of my car it has a warning on the label that states: "for chukar partriges uo to 8 weeks old only" . When I called Agway they said this is the correct starter feed for chicken chicks and it's the only one they carry. I asked them why the warning was on the label and they acted like I didn't know what I was talking about.

Can I use this feed for my chicks when they arrive or do I need to get something else?
It is a medicated feed. the only thing it says on the bag other than the warning is:

Southern States
Quality Feeds
Specialty Poultry

Sporting Bird Starter AVT
A complete starter feed for chukar.

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

Disclaimer: I am about the FURTHEST thing from a chick expert, so take this with a grain of salt, but.....

I would assume you want chick starter, and not game bird starter. Do you have a TSC or another feed store in your area? Kent makes a good chick starter, called Chick-Go. I'm not sure if it'll make a difference that yours is designed for game birds. I hope someone with more expertise will help...

Good luck!

 

[catdaddy66]

Actually, either would probably be fine, but some thoughts about the gamebird starter first...
Gamebirds typically will have higher amounts of protein than chick starter, anywhere between 22-28% for the quail and 17-22% for the chicks. I personally used a 20% type and the chicks did very well. I also have purchases 17%, 19% and 22% and worried that the highest amt may be hard on little kidneys (though plenty of H2O should help flush the extra protein out), and I didn't feel that the lowest amount was adequate for good growth.

I have read that higher protein levels for younger birds is very desireable but grown birds (that are NOT molting) need 16-18% for maintainance. Protein is the stuff that builds skin/muscles/feathers, etc., so the young or molting birds need more of it than most. Hope this helps!

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I'm also a beginner but the SS website (http://www.southernstates.com/articles/cl/gamebirdfeedprograms.aspx) states that it's a 28% protein starter food that can also be fed to turkeys. That's more protein than is in regular chick starter (I opted to get one of the higher protein Blue Seal ones at 22% that is also called game bird starter as I didn't think 18% was enough for baby chicks - personal preference). I don't think it's going to hurt your chicks. My chicks on the 22% protein are growing well and feathering out excellent. I had no losses (not saying due to the feed, but perhaps it helped?).

 

[savila009]

I am brooding my turkeys and chicks together and feed turkey grower at 28% and they are doing fine.

 

[nittanyxi]

Thanks, I think I'll go with what I have. The people at my agway certainly could have been more helpful. I did not get a good vibe from them. I'm not going back there again.

 

[elmo]

Do you mean there's no label telling you exactly what the ingredients are? Wow.

 

[Laurie's Silkies]

Don't bother looking at Tractor Supply for Kent feed- they quit stocking it and it ticks me off. I also prefer feeding a higher protein feed. Their feathers are so much nicer and they are so healthy !!