18% protein crumble. Too much protein for pullets?

[Jenn Hanson]

First time chicken owner here! Sorry for the long post.....
I got 3 chickens (pullets - about 19 weeks) a week ago and I bought them 18% protein crumble as it was recommended by the person at the feed store. They have that always available to them as well as water.... but one of my chickens seems to be having runny to watery poops sometimes (not every poop). Now reading up on it I think it's too much protein? My girls are a few weeks away from laying (I think), I have given them one treat everyday (a handful of sliced blueberries, spinach, pumpkin, etc) and they are in my yard an hour or two a day (i live in town and because of neighborhood cats they are only free ranging when I'm in the yard with them, but they have a good sized run)....anyways..... should I give them food with less protein? We are more north so it has been colder here already (-5c one night) . I just want to be a good chicken mom!!!

 

[Molpet]

I feed 18% to 22% without problems.. treats should be less than 10% of feed.. grit and oyster shells available on the side

 

[lazy gardener]

16 - 18% protein is fine.

 

[Jenn Hanson]

I feed 18% to 22% without problems.. treats should be less than 10% of feed.. grit and oyster shells available on the side

Really? That gives me some peace of mind thank you!! I definitely also give grit and oyster shell!! I have sprinkled it around so they have it when they want it!

 

[Jenn Hanson]

16 - 18% protein is fine.

Thank you! When they start laying do you think feeding them the same would be fine? It says layer on the bag as well...but I'm new and want to make sure I'm doing it right!

 

[lazy gardener]

You're doing just fine. You might benefit from putting your general location in your profile. It helps folks give climate specific information.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have given 18% protein start & grow up to point of lay, then switched to 18% layers pellet till they were 13 months when I switched to a 16% layers pellet. After 3 bags I was not happy with the feed. I switched back to 18% layers pellet.
I believe 16% protein is minimum. I like 18 - 20% from day old chicks through adult life. GC