16% vs. 19% protein layer feed

[debp]

Our nearby non-GMO feed supplier offers a choice of 16% or 19% protein layer mix. I don't know which one to order. They call the 16% one their backyard poultry blend and market the 19% one as for "producers." Is 19% a better level of protein even for a backyard flock, or is it actually a bit too "rich" in protein? These will be my first chickens - right now they are still on chick starter at 13 weeks.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

I would still go with the 16%. It is possible for them to have too much protein which is just a waste as it only comes out in their poop.

 

[debp]

Thank you Mountain Peeps. I also looked at the article you work on feeding at different ages. I know that there is a grower mix, but my supplier only has a starter/grower mix that is 20% protein, so I had planned to keep feeding that until they start laying. Is there a problem with maintaining the higher level of protein until they go on layer mix?

 

[rc4u]

actually you will not hurt them by feeding even 28% game mix.. i do and they grow faster than the others around that feed low protein...its only about a dime a pound more money here...its no different than like your kids..if they are growing they need more protein than adults..and thats why you see the meat chicken mix has more protein, to make them grow faster... and heritage chickens will not be over growing like if you feed the 28% to cornish x ,they will over grow...but i dont have a science degree but do read a lot and so many people claim to be experts by trade...jeff

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Thank you Mountain Peeps. I also looked at the article you work on feeding at different ages. I know that there is a grower mix, but my supplier only has a starter/grower mix that is 20% protein, so I had planned to keep feeding that until they start laying. Is there a problem with maintaining the higher level of protein until they go on layer mix?

Well, too little of protein can damage developing chicks. The 20% can be fed 24/7 no matter what the age. But laying hens do better on a 16%. (If that's what you are asking.)

 

[Chris09]

If the 16% has a calcium level of about 2% you could feed it to them as a "Pre-Layer" and feed it till about 18 weeks or first egg then switch to the 18%.
If the are both 2.75% calcium or better then you could feed the 18% feed once they start laying.

 

[RonP]

I have a mixed aged flock.

I freechoice 28% protein all flock, oyster shell, and whatever they find interesting in their run (treats).

 

[debp]

Thanks to all of your for the replies. I must have misread your article Mountain Peeps, as I got the impression that you wouldn't want to feed higher than 18% protein as a grower mix.

I have just noticed that my two biggest, most mature cockerels are feather-picking the other birds (picking feathers off the back of the neck and eating them). I have read a few posts here on it, and I couldn't tell from those whether this is just a bad habit, or is almost certainly a sign of some nutrient deficiency. Any ideas on this. They do get all the chick starter (20% protein) they can eat, plus free range on good pasture. Is it possible they are eating too much from the pasture, and not getting enough protein?

 

[rc4u]

the pasture should provide plenty of protein. unless you have sprayed it before getting the chickens and most of the bugs are gone..

 

[debp]

Yes, you would think they would key in on bugs. Plenty of them as we don't spray our 5 acres at all, and none of our neighbors spray for insects (or weeds for that matter). But I see them eating a lot of greens (grass and alfalfa). They certainly look healthy, shiny and are growing, albeit more in size than weight. I saw another thread that said that young roosters might be starting their mating behavior without quite knowing what they are doing yet - that would explain why the most mature ones are doing it. But, I also see the one rooster go around eating feathers off the ground - quite a few of them at a time - thus my concern about nutrition. Other posts has suggested that one needs to stop feather picking as it spreads through the flock. If anyone knows of a more detailed or definitive explanation of feather-picking in young cockerels, I'd appreciate knowing about it.