FINCHforum

HI has anyone tried using chick starter (for chickens) as a food supplement. i have found a number of recipes that include it as part of the mix.
Can anyone tell me whether this is ok for finches. I am thinking that it has a high protein level so should cover that as well as calicum but as for the rest i am not sure. Look forward to any ideas Sable

I haven't used that myself but here is A site that use chick starter in there egg food you might want to check out there link ,she is the lady that raised a gouldian finch with out eyes which I find remarkable
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8aart/id21.html
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8aart/id13.html

I actually use turkey/gamebird starter in my finch food. It is a non-medicated 26% protein crumble. If you use chicken starter make sure it is non-medicated. I don't think they should have antibiotics needlessly. How I got started on using the starter was that I raise Button Quail and this is their main staple. I started mixing it with my Doves food for more protein for them. I give the mixed Dove food with the starter plus Finch and Canary food all mixed together in my mixed aviary feeder. They all pick at it. I think it is good for them and my birds all look great. I like the fact that is is not as perishable as egg food too and gives them extra protein.

hey thanks for the info, will look in to the site. will have to try and see whether i can source turkey crumble here. with its high protein it sounds great. thanks Sable

A friend of mine, who raises Gouldians, Parrot finches, Owls, Stars, and Parson finches, uses it. It's offered all the time. I don't know what type it is though.

I have used game bird starter before. You have to be careful that it is not medicated--some feed stores only carry medicated chick starter and game bird starter. I was crushing it up in the coffee grinder and adding it to my eggfood mix, but the birds didn't seem too crazy about it. I will try just putting a dish of it in the cages to see if they will eat it that way.