Why Starter Feed Is Non-Negotiable for Chicks
From hatch to 18 weeks, chicks require starter feed. It is the foundation of their early growth, providing the protein and balanced nutrition they need during a period when they are growing like crazy. Starter feed contains the highest percentage of protein a layer should consume, so it is not a phase you can skip or rush.
If you are raising chicks for the first time, the choices can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through what a quality starter feed offers, how to use it, and when to plan the switch to a grower feed.
What Small Pet Select Starter Feed Provides
- Chicken Starter Feed, Non-GMO, Corn & Soy Free: Small Pet Select Chicken Starter Feed is a complete and balanced chicken food for your smallest flock members. You can feel confident it is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of chicks from hatch onward.
Chicken Starter Feed, Non-GMO, Corn & Soy Free - Chicken Starter Feed, Non-GMO, Corn & Soy Free: It contains 20% protein. Protein is key for growing chicks, supporting healthy development during their rapid growth phase.
- Chicken Starter Feed, Non-GMO, Corn & Soy Free: The feed is non-GMO, corn-free, and soy-free, with ingredients locally sourced in the Pacific Northwest. If you prefer to avoid corn and soy in your flock’s diet, this formula aligns with that choice without sacrificing complete nutrition.
How to Feed Starter Crumble to Baby Chicks
The supplied product information does not include a specific feeding schedule or amount, so use the following general guidance as a starting point and adjust based on your chicks’ behavior and your own research.
- Offer feed from day one: Chicks should have access to starter feed as soon as they hatch. Keep feeders clean and filled with fresh crumble.
- Use a chick-appropriate feeder: Choose a shallow feeder that chicks can easily reach without spilling or contaminating the feed.
- Provide fresh water at all times: Chicks need constant access to clean water. Make sure waterers are shallow enough to prevent drowning.
- Monitor growth and adjust: Watch your chicks’ development. If you have concerns about their growth rate or health, consult a veterinarian or poultry expert.
When to Switch from Starter Feed
Starter feed is designed for chicks from hatch to 18 weeks. After that, they can transition to a grower feed. The exact timing can depend on your flock’s development and your goals, but 18 weeks is the upper end of the starter phase according to the product information.
If you are raising laying hens, you will eventually move to a layer feed, but that comes after the grower phase. For now, focus on providing starter feed consistently through the first 18 weeks.
Storage and Freshness Tips
The supplied information does not include specific storage instructions, but general good practice is to keep feed in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent pests. Always check the feed for signs of spoilage before serving.
Starter Feed vs. Grower Feed: What Changes
Understanding the difference helps you plan the transition.
- Starter feed: Higher protein (20% in this formula) to support rapid early growth; fed from hatch to 18 weeks.
- Grower feed: Typically lower protein than starter, formulated for continued development after the starter phase; fed from about 18 weeks onward.
A Note on Corn and Soy Free Formulas
Choosing a corn and soy free chick feed is a personal decision. Some owners prefer to avoid these ingredients due to concerns about GMOs or potential allergens. Small Pet Select’s formula is non-GMO and free of corn and soy, while still providing complete and balanced nutrition with 20% protein. If you have specific dietary concerns for your flock, consult with a poultry nutritionist or veterinarian.
