22% PROTEIN LAYER PELLETS.
Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!
22% protein was shown to give the highest hatch rate for chickens. Beyond that decreased rates were experienced. 22% is about the maximum ever needed in a chickens life, even "starter". But most "layer" feeds are around 4% calcium. It may be good choice if you are going to be hatching. I know it has been said feeding "layer" too soon could diminish growth and even delay onset of lay... but I'm not sure if that was due to (usually) reducing protein
or if it was because the calcium inhibits something else??
3 20 WEEK OLD PULLETS; BUT ONE OF THOSE IS LAYING
I have had some not start until 28+ weeks. What breeds are you raising? How many hours of day light ya got? Are you using artificial lighting?
EIGHT 17 WEEK OLD PULLETS THAT ARE GETTING REALLY CLOSE TO START LAYING
Are they going to lay earlier than your 20 week olds or are they still a few weeks or more out, realistically?
So what I gather is that 1/11 of your pullets is laying and 10 are not.
I would suggest going with a grower or flock raiser (18-20% protein and 1% calcium) and offering oyster shell free choice on the side for the active layers. Others will sample ... but
excess calcium fed
long term to
non layer
*can* (doesn't mean will) cause kidney issues including on type of gout and even possible kidney failure and sudden death.
While it's true that feathers are made from 90% protein and it amino acids. Too much is really a waste of $ as protein is quite pricey compared to other ingredients. Not all protein is created equal. Chickens require some amino acids derived from animal sources. These are added synthetically into our vegetarian rations many of us are using. Now the other flip side...
excess protein fed
long term to anyone
*can* cause another type of gout, possible kidney issues including sudden death... Excess protein will not be utilized but processed through the liver and kidney and excreted as extra smelly waste. Both of the previous condition mentioned are most likely if a bird is somehow genetically predisposed AND also happen to get dehydrated or other contributing factor.
Excess protein in breeder diets also appears to decrease hatch-ability causing early embryo mortality.
I like to use the Purina flock raiser with 20% protein because it is readily available to me and serves my whole flock well with OS on the side free choice. I use this from hatch, to lay, to molt, to processing, to do it all for my dual purpose birds and others. Aside from the protein and 1% calcium it has more amino acids than most typical 16% protein layer feeds... I do not have a 22% layer available in my area.
What I'm trying to say is... 22% protein may not be too much but 4% calcium would be... for
MY comfort level and the investment I've made in my flock. I don't think it will truly harm your birds. I would rather see folks feeding 22% over the 16% if they are switching a little earlier to "layer". 15% is considered the minimum to maintain a chicken in good condition... I personally never aim for minimums, but strive for excellence to achieve a happy medium.
I don't personally mind the all caps. Made it easy to read.
