A.T. Hagan :
Quote:Originally Posted by PaulaJoAnneI think you all might want to look at the protein content of your chickens feed.
We have found 18% in summer and 20% in winter is better then the usually 16%.
Look into upping their intake by 2% or so, and see what things look like in a couple of weeks.
At least in my case I don't believe it can be the protein content. When the birds begin to go into serious molt I always bump their protein a bit by blending in a little game bird starter. Not a lot, but it should bring it up that 2% you mention. Ain't working this year.
How much higher protein feed (and what is its protein content?) do you blend in with your regular (and at what protein content) feed? You might not be boosting it as much as you think.
For example, to boost a regular 16% protein feed to 18%, you'd need to mix 1:1 the regular feed with a 20% feed.
That's not mixing in "a little."
Purina Flock Raiser at 20% protein mixed three to one with FRM Gamebird Starter at 28%. Should come out to 22% as I figure it which ought to be plenty for molting birds.










maybe it is because the higher protein ones is nice small pellets while the lower one was broken up large pellets.



Good thing I really like my chickens.

