My husband picked up 18% chick starter instead of 16%, is it ok?

[BrahmaMama]

Not that I don't appreciate him picking it up, I really do!

I told him to make sure it wasn't medicated, but didn't even think of the %...It's the same farm supply store, just the one on the other side of town, that apparently carries this one-both feeds are Nutrena, I normally buy the Nutrena "Premium" I think it is...this bag is a different color and says "Country Feed" Chick Starter. I just don't want to make them sick, or affect them in some strange way.

 

[chickengrl]

I don't think it will matter too much. The difference is not huge.

 

[vjbakke]

I thought most starter feeds are 18-20%? I have a grower feed that is 16%. I had to go and get some with higher protein.

 

[ChooksChick]

It will probably pick up your laying rate just a bit, actually. You will need to be sure to have oyster shell on hand for them in a bowl for free choice, as starter doesn't have an appropriate amount of calcium, but I prefer a higher protein for my birds.

 

[juliette2009]

I, too like using a higher protein count for my birds...helps with those frizzled feathers!

 

[BrahmaMama]

Oh, maybe I was thinking of Layer, as far as the 16%...duh me!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I start mine out on 18% starter and then move them up to 20% Flock Raiser after the bag of starter is gone

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
Me too, except I do use medicated feed, so I continue to buy it until everybody has been outside "on the ground" at least 3 weeks with medicated feed before I make the change to All Flock. Oh, and "All Flock" by Nutrena is 18%, not 20%. But I give BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seed) as a daily treat, so that helps up the protein ratio. And it's great for feather growth.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
Me too, except I do use medicated feed, so I continue to buy it until everybody has been outside "on the ground" at least 3 weeks with medicated feed before I make the change to All Flock. Oh, and "All Flock" by Nutrena is 18%, not 20%. But I give BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seed) as a daily treat, so that helps up the protein ratio. And it's great for feather growth.

I toss mine a clump of grass or weeds with a clump of dirt attached. I read on a post about pasty but to do it and it would help stop it. I did and it did, lol. Now I give them a clump from the back part of the yard where the bigger birds roam.

 

[BrahmaMama]

I never thought of black oil sunflower seeds. And I have been picking new grass, and giving my 6 week olds a couple of handfuls, but hadn't thought of the younger ones, or leaving dirt attached.