Substitutions from broiler feed?

[jennifer0224]

Hello,

I have (15) 3-week old Cornish X chicks. I have been feeding them organic chick starter and cannot find, anywhere, organic broiler feed. Every feed store in the area has either conventional broiler feed, or organic layer and chick starter and that's it. I did find one retailer in Oregon that I will call but that's a long way away and I'll have to ask about shipping.

My husband questioned whether we can continue to feed them chick starter (doesn't it have a similar protein percentage as broiler, or at least just slightly less?) and supplement the feed with some high-protein food. I have no idea - scrambled eggs? Mealworms? Does anyone have any recommendations on this? I certainly want them to grow correctly, and quickly, as we are not even allowed to have them here and I'm hoping to butcher before the neighbors even find out!

 

[rjohns39]

Hello,

I have (15) 3-week old Cornish X chicks. I have been feeding them organic chick starter and cannot find, anywhere, organic broiler feed. Every feed store in the area has either conventional broiler feed, or organic layer and chick starter and that's it. I did find one retailer in Oregon that I will call but that's a long way away and I'll have to ask about shipping.

My husband questioned whether we can continue to feed them chick starter (doesn't it have a similar protein percentage as broiler, or at least just slightly less?) and supplement the feed with some high-protein food. I have no idea - scrambled eggs? Mealworms? Does anyone have any recommendations on this? I certainly want them to grow correctly, and quickly, as we are not even allowed to have them here and I'm hoping to butcher before the neighbors even find out!

Can you post a picture of your feed label?

 

[jennifer0224]

Actually I just looked at it and it is only 18 % protein I am running my kids to school and then an appointment for my youngest and then when I get home I will post a picture of the label, thank you.

 

[rjohns39]

Actually I just looked at it and it is only 18 % protein I am running my kids to school and then an appointment for my youngest and then when I get home I will post a picture of the label, thank you.

likely what you have is fine. I use an 18% broiler ration that is near identical to the grower rations that you find in the stores.

 

[jennifer0224]

Oh that's great news. I do need to buy more feed today, so I will just look for organic grower with the highest percentage of protein. Thanks again; you have been a lot of help.

 

[rjohns39]

Oh that's great news. I do need to buy more feed today, so I will just look for organic grower with the highest percentage of protein. Thanks again; you have been a lot of help.

Stick with 18%, too high will give you problems.

 

[jennifer0224]

Oh okay, well then that makes it easy. I will stick to what I've been feeding them then, thank you! It's relatively inexpensive too.