Broiler vs normal chick starter

[Bush84]

Where I have been getting my layer feed only seems to have broiler starter and no regular chick food. It's a higher protein content and I'm sure that's about the only difference. Would it be a big deal to use that instead of the standard chick food?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You're right that protein % is about the only difference. Not a big deal but you don't want to keep birds raised as egg layers on the 22-24% protein too long.
Meat birds only live 6-8 weeks.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Broiler feed around here is non medicated but it is produced both ways. Chick starter can be harder to find non medicated. That's another difference. Medicated is both personal choice and may be necessary in some locations. Cocci is not a problem in my area at all and I don't keep a stationary pen that can build up concentration of coccidia over many years of use, Long term use of same area is termed "Poultry Sick" soil. Southern states can have naturally high concentration. Here on the Canadian border it's not a problem.

I use non medicated as I don't need slow introduction of cocci for birds to build immunity and a 50 lbs bag is $1 cheaper without it.

To add: There are a lot of breeders that like the higher protein for dual purpose birds. Use of up to 26% is not uncommon. It's the believe that the higher protein if not overdone, 28%+, allows the birds to reach their full potential. Locally produced non broiler chick starter around here is 20%. Think 18% is more common for name brand feed chick starter.