Does anyone know of any general guidelines for what % protein we should be feeding backyard chicks/chickens? Online, different feeds come with different % amounts. From what I've seen:
18 to 22% for first 6 weeks
18% for week 7-18
16% for week 19 and on
Is this the correct protein % for my chickens?
The reason I ask is because I have some 2 week old chicks, but the starter/grower (Purina) crumbles I give them are at 18% protein. However, some other brands have starter feeds (first 6 weeks) at 20 to 22% protein. Should I be feeding a higher (22% protein) feed to my 2 week old chicks, or is the 18% feed suitable?
(For context, I have a mix of ornamental, light, medium and heavy breed chicks--can they all eat the same % protein, or do light vs heavy have different protein requirements?).
Thank you!
18 to 22% for first 6 weeks
18% for week 7-18
16% for week 19 and on
Is this the correct protein % for my chickens?
The reason I ask is because I have some 2 week old chicks, but the starter/grower (Purina) crumbles I give them are at 18% protein. However, some other brands have starter feeds (first 6 weeks) at 20 to 22% protein. Should I be feeding a higher (22% protein) feed to my 2 week old chicks, or is the 18% feed suitable?
(For context, I have a mix of ornamental, light, medium and heavy breed chicks--can they all eat the same % protein, or do light vs heavy have different protein requirements?).
Thank you!
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