Tried raising them "Corn and Soy FREE"

[Eggcessive]

That isn't true. I've raised plenty of batches on 18% and they maintained a good rate of growth. They may grow a little quicker with a higher protein the first couple weeks on something higher, but they don't need that much protein.

Oops, I see you wrote chicks. OP doesn't have chicks, his birds are over 8 weeks old.

I don't raise meat birds, but I was just stating that it is usually recommended that any kind of chicks be fed at least 20 % protein. I realize you can go down to 18% grower at a certain age, but if they are meaties I think more protein and calories would be beneficial to gaining weight. The extra calcium for any young bird (or rooster of any age) not laying yet can cause kidney problems including gout. It is difficult to have different kinds of birds and ages on different feeds, so I usually use a 20% flock raiser for the whole gang, then add oyster shell or egg shells on the side for the layers to supplement themselves.

 

[trsturself]

so I usually use a 20% flock raiser for the whole gang, then add oyster shell or egg shells on the side for the layers to supplement themselves.

Thanks for posting that. I was considering doing that but didn't know if the extra protein would be bad for my layers.