What to feed flock. HELP

[Ladobaze]

Need to feed our whole (small) flock including chicks that will be arriving soon. I won’t be separating the chicks so I’ve read that I need to use “grower/developer” feed and then substitute with oyster shell for hens. The only thing I can find is starter/grower and grower/finisher. What’s the difference between grower/finisher and starter/grower? I imagine with new chicks it’d be best to start with starter/grower and substitute calcium for the hens. Is this correct? I’m so confused about this.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have photos of the product(s) or can you tell which one of those 2 has the higher protein %?

It can be confusing how companies "label" their products.
From just the "wording" I would say Starter/Grower is what you want to go with and provide oyster shell free choice for the birds that are in lay.

If something like Flock Raiser crumbles is an option that is what I would use. I usually feed Flock Raiser or an all flock type feed to all my birds year round (including chicks) but do occasionally buy chick starter if those are not available - my adult layers love chick starter LOL

 

[GC-Raptor]

Need to feed our whole (small) flock including chicks that will be arriving soon. I won’t be separating the chicks

A poultry feed with 18 to 20% protein, that doesn't say layer is fine. Look for crumbles to feed chicks. Offer oyster shells in a separate container.

I’ve read that I need to use “grower/developer” feed and then substitute with oyster shell for hens. The only thing I can find is starter/grower and grower/finisher.

Names on feed bags can get confusing.
Read on if you want the details.

Most layer feed has 3.25 to 4.5% calcium. That's too much for growing chicks and pullets not yet laying.

Most Starter, Starter-Grower, and Start & Grow feeds are 18 to 20% protein with 0.75 to 1.3% calcium.

All-Flock feeds are 18 to 22% protein and 0.8 to 1.5% calcium, and can have various names like multi-flock, flock raiser, and the obvious all-flock.

Grower-Finisher, Grower-Developer feed is usually 15 to 16% protein and is for chicks over 6 to 8 weeks old. I'd never feed less than 18% protein to chicks and pullets less than 18 weeks old.

So look for protein 18 to 20% with calcium 1 to 1.5%. GC

 

[Ladobaze]

Thank you all!
So this and some oyster shell in a seperate bowl works, correct?

 

[Sunshine_Chick]

Correct

 

[GC-Raptor]

Thank you all!
So this and some oyster shell in a seperate bowl works, correct?

Yes it will.
I will buy Flock Raiser after 10 weeks if a Starter-Grower feed isn't available when I'm at TSC.
I use a Medicated feed for 10 weeks. GC

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you all!
So this and some oyster shell in a seperate bowl works, correct?

Yes. I've used that several times for chicks with no problem.