Stuck in the Coop
Songster
I've been feeding Game bird feed to all my new chicks. It is 25 to 29% protein, or if your lucky even higher. I see a big difference in chicks raised on this, larger legs, thicker feathering and faster growth. If you can find a meat-based protein it is even better.
I have a blind 9 month old silkie cockerel who is confined for the winter in a 4x4 brooder box. He has eaten only 29% meat based protein Game bird starter along with the chicks since October. He is gorgeous, his feathers are shiny and full. He is fully conditioned to show...he just isn't show quality. I kinda used him as my test subject to see what the results of higher protein conditioning would be. I'm convinced it works. Game bird feed is only a couple dollars more and it is safer than cat food. Perhaps that is another option you could try.
I have a blind 9 month old silkie cockerel who is confined for the winter in a 4x4 brooder box. He has eaten only 29% meat based protein Game bird starter along with the chicks since October. He is gorgeous, his feathers are shiny and full. He is fully conditioned to show...he just isn't show quality. I kinda used him as my test subject to see what the results of higher protein conditioning would be. I'm convinced it works. Game bird feed is only a couple dollars more and it is safer than cat food. Perhaps that is another option you could try.