- Jan 14, 2008
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I feed a 22% protein Game Bird Grower Finisher. I feed it from the day they hatch 'till the day they die or leave.
I've done this for years now largely for the convenience. No remembering which pen gets which feed. No deciding when to change feed. There's only one feed. It's also handy if I'm away at a show & my wife feeds for me. She doesn't need detailed instructions, there's only one feed.
Beyond the convenience this has worked out well in terms of how the birds grow & develop & also in terms of their productivity.
My primary reason for keeping birds is for show. Feeding the higher protein results in birds finishing out quicker & I've noticed a big improvement in feather quality.
I wish I could take credit for coming up with this on my own but I have to admit I didn't. A few years back I visited on of the best Black Rosecomb breeders in the country. I've seen his birds at shows for years & have always been impressed with their condition. When I visited his place I saw pen after pen of absolutely beautiful Rosecombs. I asked what he fed & he told me of the above feeding program. I feed a different brand due to availability, we live at opposite ends of the state but the feeds are formulated similarly.
I do feed some scratch, mostly wheat & I provide "green food" so the overall protein is lowered somewhat.
If the higher protein is harmful to the birds it certainly isn't apparent to me.
I've done this for years now largely for the convenience. No remembering which pen gets which feed. No deciding when to change feed. There's only one feed. It's also handy if I'm away at a show & my wife feeds for me. She doesn't need detailed instructions, there's only one feed.
Beyond the convenience this has worked out well in terms of how the birds grow & develop & also in terms of their productivity.
My primary reason for keeping birds is for show. Feeding the higher protein results in birds finishing out quicker & I've noticed a big improvement in feather quality.
I wish I could take credit for coming up with this on my own but I have to admit I didn't. A few years back I visited on of the best Black Rosecomb breeders in the country. I've seen his birds at shows for years & have always been impressed with their condition. When I visited his place I saw pen after pen of absolutely beautiful Rosecombs. I asked what he fed & he told me of the above feeding program. I feed a different brand due to availability, we live at opposite ends of the state but the feeds are formulated similarly.
I do feed some scratch, mostly wheat & I provide "green food" so the overall protein is lowered somewhat.
If the higher protein is harmful to the birds it certainly isn't apparent to me.