What is the difference between 18% and 20% chick starter?

[hysop]

2% I know

On a serious note, what is the difference?

I’m getting Jersey Giants that require 18% chick starter and I would find it easier to buy only one type of chick starter for all my chicks regardless if they’re Jersey Giants or not.

Right now I buy 20% chick starter for my chicks (Olive Eggers, White Leghorns, Easter Eggers, Backyard Mixes), but I am debating on buying 18% for all from now on. Would that be okay?

Thank you!!

 

[GC-Raptor]

2% I know

On a serious note, what is the difference?

I’m getting Jersey Giants that require 18% chick starter and I would find it easier to buy only one type of chick starter for all my chicks regardless if they’re Jersey Giants or not.

Right now I buy 20% chick starter for my chicks (Olive Eggers, White Leghorns, Easter Eggers, Backyard Mixes), but I am debating on buying 18% for all from now on. Would that be okay?

Thank you!!

I've never read that Jersey Giants need 18% Protein feed, but I've never had any.
I buy both Purina and Nutrena Starter feeds, both are 18% Protein.
My opinion is either 18% or 20% Protein would be fine. GC

 

[Pyxis]

If the difference is the percentage only, then the only difference is the protein content.

But I too have never heard of JGs needing 18% protein specifically.

 

[Folly's place]

I use Flock Raiser, 20% protein, for everyone, and the few JGs that I've had here (all hatchery) have been fine on it.
Either would likely be fine, so get the one that's freshest by mill date, or has other features that look good to you.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

I have also never heard the JG's should have that protein % and nothing else.
Mary

 

[hysop]

I have also never heard the JG's should have that protein % and nothing else.
Mary

I’m buying them from a breeder, and she recommends 18% starter for the Jersey Giant chicks to prevent leg problems if they grow too fast since hers get pretty large compared to hatchery JGs.

So my guess is higher protein makes them grow faster, so 18% would still be good for regular chicks but they would just grow slower than if I fed them 20%.

I guess that’s something I’ll test out next time I hatch some chicks. Right now I’m feeding my regular chicks 20% starter/grower.

 

[drumstick diva]

If the breeder has success with what she is doing, I would adhere to her advice.

 

[drumstick diva]

BTW I was going to say 2% also just came along too late.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I’m buying them from a breeder, and she recommends 18% starter for the Jersey Giant chicks to prevent leg problems if they grow too fast since hers get pretty large compared to hatchery JGs.

I would follow her advice. GC

 

[Angileen]

I’m buying them from a breeder, and she recommends 18% starter for the Jersey Giant chicks to prevent leg problems if they grow too fast since hers get pretty large compared to hatchery JGs.

So my guess is higher protein makes them grow faster, so 18% would still be good for regular chicks but they would just grow slower than if I fed them 20%.

I guess that’s something I’ll test out next time I hatch some chicks. Right now I’m feeding my regular chicks 20% starter/grower.

I have also heard that about Jersey Giants. A farmer told me not to let them grow too fast.