New at this, need some advice --Starter 24%

[Bothwell]

I am new to raising chicks (and chiskens). I had my first hatch yesterday, and brought out the feed they sold me at the feed store. It says it is stater 24%, but indicates on the back that layers should be started on 20% (I have welsummer chicks). Will the 24% (I assume that refers to protein content?) be OK? Also, do I give the chicks this dry or should I add a little water?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Lea71]

I think that's a broiler starter (20-24%). Layer starter should be 18-20%. Hope this helps.

Oh yeah...I gave my chicks dry food and they never had a problem.

 

[MandyH]

The higher the protein the heavier the bird will get on the same amount of feed. Feed them dry crumbles.

 

[Bothwell]

OK, dry crumbles. And yes, the 24% is for broilers. But it will not hurt or adversely effact my layers, right?

 

[pinkfeather]

I saw 24% chick feed in the store the other day too. I've always given mine 20% and I don't add water to the chick feed, just make sure it's small enough and crumbly enough for them to eat. Also, the 24% chick feed has ANIMAL protein in it. Blech.

 

[pinkfeather]

Well, if you feed it to your grown layers, that might make them fat, which will make them prolapse and probably other things too.

 

[silkiechicken]

It should be fine. High corn in their feed, often with feeding scratch will make them fat. Animal protein is something that is important in their diets as they are omnivores. Avoid too much as adults because long term feeding can lead to gout. As chicks, 24% will be fine. I've done it both ways, with the 20 and 24 as having 8 bags of different feed around can get confusing when I leave for a week and someone else has to feed the animals.

 

[Bothwell]

OK thanks. I was about to go and buy new food, but I'll keep this for the chicks. I'll be sure to switch them over later. Thanks so much!

 

[chickenlady]

Ive always used the higher % protein for my chicks (for about 4 years now). Havent had a problem that I know about. They have been happy and healthy.

 

[Eggseronious]

Feed it, you will be ok. My Co-op has a 28% and a 16% I told them they need a 20%, so I buy a bag of each and mix it half and half.