Starter vs. Grower feed?

[PileatedFarms]

Hi chickeners!

We currently have our 10 week olds on Chick Starter Crumbles, and are wondering if we can switch them to a Chick Grower Crumbles/Mash? Is it necessary to switch?

(Pics attached of the food - sorry for the poor quality, fiance sent them to me in a rainstorm lol)

We have no experience with chicken feed so we really appreciate any help!

 

[PoultryCQ]

Hi chickeners!

We currently have our 10 week olds on Chick Starter Crumbles, and are wondering if we can switch them to a Chick Grower Crumbles/Mash? Is it necessary to switch?

(Pics attached of the food - sorry for the poor quality, fiance sent them to me in a rainstorm lol)

We have no experience with chicken feed so we really appreciate any help!

16 percent protein is a little less in my opinion.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would stay with the starter feed, if the chickens have been happy with it. 16% is a bit low on protein for a grower.

 

[PoultryCQ]

I would stay with the starter feed, if the chickens have been happy with it. 16% is a bit low on protein for a grower.

I forgot to add that part, I agree

 

[GC-Raptor]

I like 18% Protein for all ages.
I use a Starter-Grower feed 18% for all ages.
I would stick with the 19% Starter especially if you give them treats like Scratch Grains. GC

 

[PileatedFarms]

Thank you all so much!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Like @GC-Raptor I consider 18% the minimum acceptable protein for my birds, and feed much higher in their first 6 weeks. Lots of lengthy reasons I could give for that, but skipping in the interests of time and brevity.

And that of course assumes your birds are primarily layers, or "dual purpose" (which mostly means "mostly layers" for many DP lines). Meaties I'd have on higher protein from hatching till freezer camp.

 

[Brooks_]

Like others, I would not go below 18%. The 16% is considered acceptable based on serious confinement.

 

[PileatedFarms]

Thank you both! Such helpful information - does anyone have a specific food them wouldn't mind recommending?

 

[Kiki]

Thank you both! Such helpful information - does anyone have a specific food them wouldn't mind recommending?

Go to your local stores...take pictures of the exact feeds on the shelf and post the pics here. We will help you chose.