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Feed for Dual Purpose Chicks

post #1 of 4
5/19/12 at 8:35am
Thread Starter 

I have been raising Delawares for a couple of years now.  I have always followed the standard schedule for switching to grower feed without any problems, but I read recently that the LF heritage breeds should be raised on a higher protein feed.  My Delawares have not filled out as well as I have liked in the past, and I've always attributed it to genetics, but now I am starting to wonder.  When do you switch the large breeds over to grower feed?

Geese:  Embden, Gray Saddleback Pomeranians

Chickens:  Australorp, Bantam Cochin, Delaware, Buff Orpingtons and Speckled Sussex

Dogs:  Australian Shepherd, Catahoula   Cats:  Tuxedo

Looking For:  Barnevelder

My Blog:  http://plantcityhomestead.blogspot.com/

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Geese:  Embden, Gray Saddleback Pomeranians

Chickens:  Australorp, Bantam Cochin, Delaware, Buff Orpingtons and Speckled Sussex

Dogs:  Australian Shepherd, Catahoula   Cats:  Tuxedo

Looking For:  Barnevelder

My Blog:  http://plantcityhomestead.blogspot.com/

Reply
post #2 of 4
5/19/12 at 9:47am

Two schools of thought and I'm afraid you'll just have to try one way or the other and see what you think.  Some say feeding high protein during the juvenile weeks causes sped up maturity of muscle mass and early POL onset before the pullet is fully matured and skeleton is ready.(see virtually all raising guides from hatcheries producing top laying strains for commercial houses)  Others believe the high protein creates a healthier look and much better feathering of birds, especially those heading to show.

 

You've tried one way, might want to try the other see what you think.  

 

 

Practicing Sustainable Agriculture At The 45th Parallel

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Practicing Sustainable Agriculture At The 45th Parallel

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post #3 of 4
5/19/12 at 9:52am
There are some lines of Delawares that do not live up to the high standards of a good dual purpose breed. Some of the birds I have had in the past did not fill out that well, and the hens did not lay as well as I wished for. My birds from sandhill preservation have been some of the best I have had. I use a grower/finisher and they fill out well.

Home of the world's cutest dachshund, one crazy blue heeler, two cats,
              one fat pony, and many (but not too many!) chickens

              Can anyone tell me, how many are too many chickens?

 



My Chickens
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/1muttsfans-chickens
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Home of the world's cutest dachshund, one crazy blue heeler, two cats,
              one fat pony, and many (but not too many!) chickens

              Can anyone tell me, how many are too many chickens?

 



My Chickens
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/1muttsfans-chickens
Reply
post #4 of 4
5/20/12 at 8:57am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the feedback.  I guess there is not a solid answer to this question.

Geese:  Embden, Gray Saddleback Pomeranians

Chickens:  Australorp, Bantam Cochin, Delaware, Buff Orpingtons and Speckled Sussex

Dogs:  Australian Shepherd, Catahoula   Cats:  Tuxedo

Looking For:  Barnevelder

My Blog:  http://plantcityhomestead.blogspot.com/

Reply

Geese:  Embden, Gray Saddleback Pomeranians

Chickens:  Australorp, Bantam Cochin, Delaware, Buff Orpingtons and Speckled Sussex

Dogs:  Australian Shepherd, Catahoula   Cats:  Tuxedo

Looking For:  Barnevelder

My Blog:  http://plantcityhomestead.blogspot.com/

Reply
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