What to feed broilers

[The_Chicken_Tender]

I will be getting five broiler chickens in a few days and I'm unable to find information on what to feed them as chicks. Should I feed medicated chick starter before switching to regular broiler feed? How long are they on chick starter for?

 

[FrostRanger]

You can just feed them meat bird starter from the start, no need to start them on regular chick feed

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

I've often followed Meyer Hatchery's feeding guide and have had great results. Scroll down on that page a bit to see the feeding chart.

As for medicated vs. non-medicated, that is up to you. There are many threads discussing it here on BYC if you want to search it up. I personally don't use medicated anymore because I've had good results with gradually introducing the chicks to outside bacteria. For example, I'll place small chunks of dirt and grass from my yard in the brooder, gradually adding bigger pieces and then also letting them to little field trips outdoors. They build up natural immunity to bacteria and cocci that might be present in my yard before I put them out there.

 

[The_Chicken_Tender]

I've often followed Meyer Hatchery's feeding guide and have had great results. Scroll down on that page a bit to see the feeding chart.

As for medicated vs. non-medicated, that is up to you. There are many threads discussing it here on BYC if you want to search it up. I personally don't use medicated anymore because I've had good results with gradually introducing the chicks to outside bacteria. For example, I'll place small chunks of dirt and grass from my yard in the brooder, gradually adding bigger pieces and then also letting them to little field trips outdoors. They build up natural immunity to bacteria and cocci that might be present in my yard before I put them out there.

The guide is very helpful, thank you. It does say to feed broiler starter, which is 21-22% protein, but I am unable to find a feed that high in protein. All the chick starter I've seen is 18%. Is there a particular brand you use, or would you go for the 18% starter?

 

[FrostRanger]

You can try chewy if your local store doesn't carry it

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

The guide is very helpful, thank you. It does say to feed broiler starter, which is 21-22% protein, but I am unable to find a feed that high in protein. All the chick starter I've seen is 18%. Is there a particular brand you use, or would you go for the 18% starter?

I have fed 18% all the way through before, and it went very well. They actually grow at a more natural rate. Just know that they feather up slightly slower, but it's warm out right now so it shouldn't be a problem at all. Going with the 18% will also help you prevent leg or heart issues.

Edit: And as they get older if you think they aren't growing well and need a protein boost, go buy some canned cat food (pate only - not the kind with the "gravy") or canned fish and feed it to them. Baby chicks enjoy this stuff as well.

 

[The_Chicken_Tender]

I have fed 18% all the way through before, and it went very well. They actually grow at a more natural rate. Just know that they feather up slightly slower, but it's warm out right now so it shouldn't be a problem at all. Going with the 18% will also help you prevent leg or heart issues.

Edit: And as they get older if you think they aren't growing well and need a protein boost, go buy some canned cat food (pate only - not the kind with the "gravy") or canned fish and feed it to them. Baby chicks enjoy this stuff as well.

Okay, thanks for the info!

 

[Penpal]

My neighbor also feeds her Cornish X 18% and is happy with it.

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

If you have a local mill that makes their own feed, you could ask if they do higher protein, ours is able to add any percentage we want. Which is 20%

 

[cassie]

I will be getting five broiler chickens in a few days and I'm unable to find information on what to feed them as chicks. Should I feed medicated chick starter before switching to regular broiler feed? How long are they on chick starter for?