Missed ordering feed - what to give 4-week old chicks?

[SoManyHats]

I forgot to get my Countryside Organics order in, and now I can't get grower feed for another 3 weeks. They recommend their starter feed for 2-3 weeks. It has: 21% protein, 2% fat, 6% fiber and is ground finely. The grower feed differs only in that is has less protein (19%) and isn't ground as finely.

Could I mix in some scratch to reduce the overall protein content and give them something bigger to eat? Or should I just resign myself to getting store food to eat until January?

 

[Frost Homestead]

I would go to the feed store and get some regular feed if possible. You can feed them eggs and oatmeal and stuff like that for a few days but I wouldn't do it for 3 weeks.

 

[SoManyHats]

I have a lot of starter feed still. I was worried it would be too much protein.

 

[DCchicken]

You can feed starter feed up until they start laying. Use up the bag. Feed is expensive.

 

[Percheron chick]

Use up the starter. No need to waste it. Also if you are trying to keep your pullets organic, you've got to stick with it so I wouldn't be buying regular feed.

 

[Kelsie2290]

I'd just go on feeding the starter as close as it is. If you want to lower the protein, like you said, you could just feed them a little scratch, just be sure they have grit if you do. If they aren't happy with how finely ground the starter is now that they are older, you could wet it down, most chickens will happily eat it that way, (or get into fermenting it). I usually feed all of mine a 20% starter and cut with grain to whatever I want.

 

[donrae]

Finish the starter. I also feed my birds a higher protein feed all the time--I think it's 20 or 21%. Everyone gets this feed, all ages and genders.