I kind of did mine in reverse in terms of protein. They got chick starter for the first 2 or 3 weeks, which is at 18% protein. There were a few heritage chicks in the brooder with them, so I wanted to give a more conventional feed. After they were with the main flock they got purina flock raiser which is 20% protein. I also toss out spouted wheat/barley/boss to my flock every day and they did have a keen interest in that, which got them moving around a bit more to go get it, but did dilute the protein a bit more.
I had no health problems, or losses with my CX on this regime, save that they were getting pretty heavy and sluggish by butcher day.
Given you are butchering them so early, I wouldn't worry as much about all the food withholding/protein balance issues. Longevity is not a concern here. Give them access to the outdoors -- and some incentive to get up and move in it -- plenty and fresh water and unlimited grower/flock raiser type feed during the daylight hours and you should be just fine.
I had no health problems, or losses with my CX on this regime, save that they were getting pretty heavy and sluggish by butcher day.
Given you are butchering them so early, I wouldn't worry as much about all the food withholding/protein balance issues. Longevity is not a concern here. Give them access to the outdoors -- and some incentive to get up and move in it -- plenty and fresh water and unlimited grower/flock raiser type feed during the daylight hours and you should be just fine.
Seriously though, I like knowing that I'm raising these to be as healthy as possible, for their own sakes and for ours, but yeah I'm not raising show birds. Much thanks for your help!
