Starter/Grower or Flock Raiser Feed

[pamperedamber]

I am trying to decide what feed to give to the flock. I have some 9 month old hens, 8 week pullets and cockerels, and new chicks will be hatching in 2 1/2 weeks. They will all be in the same coop. so feeding separate is not an option.

Here is the break down from each feed. Which one would be good for all of them? Will the raiser hurt the Cockerels?

Grower/Stater
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 18%
Crude Fat (min.) 3%
Crude Fiber (max.) 5%
Lysine (min.) 0.88%
Calcium (Ca) (min.) 0.75%
Calcium (Ca) (max.) 1.25%
Phosphorus (P) (min.) 0.55%
Salt (NaCl) (min.) 0.35%
Salt (NaCl) (max.) 0.85
Vitamin A (min.) 5000 IU/lb.
Vitamin E (min.) 14 IU/lb.
Methionine (min.) 0.32
Phytase (A. Oryzae) (min.) 227 FYT/lb.

Flock Raiser
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 20%
Crude Fat (min.) 3.5%
Crude Fiber (max.) 5%
Lysine (min.) 1.1%
Calcium (Ca) (min.) 0.8%
Calcium (Ca) (max.) 1.3%
Phosphorus (P) (min.) 0.6%
Salt (NaCl) (min.) 0.35%
Salt (NaCl) (max.) 0.85
Vitamin A (min.) 7000 IU/lb.
Vitamin E (min.) 14 IU/lb.
Methionine (min.) 0.5
Phytase (A. Oryzae) (min.) 227 FYT/lb.

 

[redsoxs]

I am not positive but I had always understood that starter was for chicks and as they grow into juveniles at which point flock raiser is used as it is for slightly older birds. That may be inaccurate but it's what I assumed. Here's a link from the Learning Center that might break it down better https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/feeding-chickens-an-introductory-guide
Good luck to you!

 

[lazy gardener]

Either one will be fine. The issue is crumb size with new chicks. If you use a multi flock starter-grower, the crumble size should be fine. As you see, the protein content is just a bit higher. Your chicks will grow a bit faster. You want to be sure that if feeding the whole flock the same feed that it is not medicated.

 

[pamperedamber]

Thank you all for your help. We went with the starter/grower.