16% for old bantams?

[lilmillefleur]

Is 16% designed more for commercial or more frequent layers? We feed Our bantams 16% but they are far from that, lol. No roosters, but our hens don’t lay as much and I was wondering if 18% protein would be better for them?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I read that 16% was designed more for commercial or more frequent layers. Our bantams are far from that, lol. No roosters, but our hens don’t lay as much and I was wondering if 18% protein would be better for them?

I'm not sure if the protein difference is super important...

But for me, ladies that don't lay "much" will do better with their calcium free choice on the side than mixed in regardless of breed.

I personally think bantams are mostly smaller version of their large fowl and therefor that whether they be dual purpose or egg machines is still relative to the breed even though the size is smaller... if you catch what I mean there.

I do think the 18-20% range for protein is a good choice for older birds who will go through molt, It's not JUST about the protein in it but really the AMINO ACIDS in the protein. And feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids... though they themselves have been converted into keratin which is only about 2% digestible if eaten. I know molt is individual and can vary each year even for the same bird. But birds with more nutrients on reserve seem to recover faster (in my experience) and should definitely recover faster with a little more protein than less. (during molt I *sometimes* add turkey starter to get around 25%)

I raise Silkies (and a few other breeds) ... with their broodiness and such, I choose to feed Purina flock raiser (20%) with oyster shell available on the side. But I would also be OK with 18% I if wasn't raising many ages and also hatching my eggs. I do NOT add low nutrient treats like corn or scratch. And when I feed scrambled eggs or live mealworms I do so in moderation being very conscious of the fat contend of both.

Sounds like your birds are in goods hands and you are looking out for them. You can select a protein and calcium content that fits with what kind of treats you give and how rich your pasture is with bugs if you are able to free range or not and that kinda thing. I just shared what works for me and I think yes another feed might benefit your gals.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I feed a 18% Non-medicated Start & Grow feed to my 2 year old hens with Oyster Shells in a separate container.
My Golden Comets started feather plucking when I switched to a 16% layers feed.
I've never had Bantams, but for standard size chickens, I recommend a 18/20% feed. Bantams eat less, so I would feed them 18/20% if I had any. GC

 

[Kiki]

May I suggest you read through this one short page:

https://www.mannapro.com/products/poultry/adult-poultry-care/golden-girls-senior-crumbles

I see a typo on the page but it's a simple spelling typo.

 

[BlackHackle]

I sometimes feed my hens 20% LOL

 

[lilmillefleur]

May I suggest you read through this one short page:

https://www.mannapro.com/products/poultry/adult-poultry-care/golden-girls-senior-crumbles

I see a typo on the page but it's a simple spelling typo.

Hmmmm. Could you feed this to younger birds too? We are getting chicks soon, and of course they will grow up.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Hmmmm. Could you feed this to younger birds too? We are getting chicks soon, and of course they will grow up.

No, Calcium is too high. 3 to 4%.
After they are laying, maybe.
I would not. Crude fiber is 10%, Doubled my feed at 5%. GC