22% Mash for Winter?

[Liv4birds]

Hi,
My local IFA is selling chicken feed crumble that it advertises as 22% for "Winter." But some other threads say that is only for game birds. Is 22% too high? Bad for my chickens? Thanks for feedback!

 

[lazy gardener]

Sounds like advertising hype so they can move a shipment of expensive feed.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi,
My local IFA is selling chicken feed crumble that it advertises as 22% for "Winter." But some other threads say that is only for game birds. Is 22% too high? Bad for my chickens? Thanks for feedback!

Hi, welcome to BYC!

22% might be little high for white leghorn type breeds. But for dual purpose like rocks and such, I think it's fine if that's what you are comfortable feeding. Making sure oyster shell is available for you layers, it MAY help any molting hen grow her feathers back in a bit faster since feathers are made of 90% protein and the amino acids that make it up. Many breeders and show people feed higher protein feeds for shinier, fuller feathers and better hatch results/chick viability. As long as you stay below 28-30% protein then you *shouldn't* have kidney issues. If you notice your birds are getting to fat for their breed standard, then I would change it.

Otherwise, I personally would LOVE to have a 22% protein feed... if it was affordable.

What I wonder is... as protein goes up in a feed, what goes out besides the calcium usually? Do you know if it has a kcal count?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It depends. I normally feed an 18% protein breeder feed but I might supplement with something higher based on production levels. My thinking is this. In winter my birds don't have access to high-protein bugs, worms, frogs, etc. like they do in summer. IF they were young birds still laying thru winter or I was supplementing light to keep them laying then I might feed a higher protein feed. But my hens are 3 years old and have stopped laying for the winter so I figure since they are not pumping out any eggs, their protein requirement is met by their regular feed.

It's true, they aren't pumping out eggs... but they are indeed still growing in feathers (usually).

I feed the same year round. But there might actually be more protein available on my pasture IN winter. Say because that's when worms are around.

Every situation may be different... we don't have to over think it! Too much marketing deception as stated by another poster.

Simple rule of thumb, according to my research... NOT less than 16% protein or more than 28% (and I wouldn't go that high on a fully mature chicken). Not less than 1% calcium or more than 4.5%. Basically keep it balanced and your birds should be fine. Beyond those specs I just mentioned, is where people start to run into health and behavioral issues.

 

[Liv4birds]

Thank you everyone for the replies! They have done really well on the 18% so I may just go back to that. But I feel reassured that 22% for a few weeks won't kill them either since most are molting.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Yes, the local feed has Fertrell minerals & Fish meal. Point is I no longer use mash, because I go away frequently & it doesn't flow well through my feeder! Thanks. I also don't like lugging around 80 lb. bags anymore!

 

[chickens really]

What breeds do you have?..That actually makes all the difference in what they need...

 

[rjohns39]

I'm not actually sure if that is true ?
I'll check that out.....

I think it depends on level of sensitivity, but we've had at least one case reported here where a neighbor went into anaphylactic shock from eggs. The OP was feeding peanuts as a treat. So likely all kinds of concentration issues, but something to be cautious of.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Proteins are a little harder to digest and stays in there system longer and in turn helps produce body heat.

To me the best thing anyone in a cold climate could do for there birds is feed a higher protein feed in the winter and cut out 90% of all low protein treats.

Body heat is regulated by internal mechanisms... a calorie is a calorie is a calorie! Both carbs and protein contain 4 calories/gram. I would like to agree that protein burns longer... but that's not what the calorie content say. Fat has 9 calories per gram. In theory the fat provides the MOST long term energy... But of course that wouldn't be healthy because that is JUST energy and not nutrients.

Balance is key... too much protein, you just get extra stinky expensive poo. Too little protein, poor quality birds/eggs/hatches. Like you say... mine are also heritage/dual purpose/non hatchery breeds. And yes, it is important to have the amino acids that are provided by animal products. The feeds without animals product *should* have the amino acids added in as an ingredient. I just use Purina Flock Raiser and my birds get animal protein from pasture, plus occasional meal worms or left overs.... and OF COURSE they love scrambled egg sometimes!

 

[chickens really]

I think it depends on level of sensitivity, but we've had at least one case reported here where a neighbor went into anaphylactic shock from eggs. The OP was feeding peanuts as a treat. So likely all kinds of concentration issues, but something to be cautious of.

Some people develop allergies to eggs though so could be a coincidence ?....Great info though....