Science Fair Experiment with Chick Starter

[Bullwinkle]

Hi Folks:

My daughter was trying to decide what to do her science fair experiment on (she's in 5th grade). We both love our chickens and

We just got 53 chicks from McMurray yesterday. Our goal is to feed chick starter with two different levels of protein to see if at the end of six weeks if:
1. Is there any difference in weight with the higher or lower protein feed.
2. Is there any difference in how quickly they feather out.
3. Is there any other noticeable difference (sickness, behavior, etc).

The varieties are evenly divided (17 white leghorns in each group plus a variety of Cochins, etc). We decided to use feed from the same company so the ingredients should be similar. One will have a 2% higher level of protein than the other.
(we could have done something with an even bigger difference.... but I couldn't do anything that I thought would be unhealthy for my little babies!!).

The breeds are all laying or dual purpose breeds (no meaties). In about 6 weeks or so I'll post the results and let you know if there were any differences, and if so what.

 

[Mahonri]

Can't wait to see the results of this one.

I've been spoiling my chicks with boiled egg and salmon. They are looking good.

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

I'd like to see the results too!

 

[WriterofWords]

Which is your control group or will you add a third to be placed on regular starter? Don't forget to monitor how much the chicks eat because you run into one or two chicks who eat twice as much as others who may not be as aggressive as the rest. Keep a weight record of how much feed you use also,,, and now I'll stop being a Science teacher,,, Looking forward to the results!