Backyard Mix Cockerels for meat: what to feed?

[ChickenCanoe]

I just use 20% but I had posted that I thought the 28% might be better. But I was going under the ignorant assumption that higher is always better. Not saying its wrong but since I never used it to compare results it is ignorant of me to say it. 20% meat bird feed was made for feeding birds you intend to eat so its the safest bet so I say go with that.

You certainly aren't ignorant. You're way ahead of most.
I've just been a nutrition Nazi for a long time having read the research in several textbooks on both meat and egg varieties. Plus, I worked programming feed mills a while for some of the largest poultry producers.

 

[Mosey2003]

I got the 28%+ from the guidelines for heritage Buckeyes that has been shared around. It works for me so far *shrug*
I would never keep them that high long term, but I like to maximize the growth potential of the first 8 weeks. It's no hill to die on, though. I work them down to 18% by 16 weeks.
ChickenCanoe, do you have any studies close to hand on it? I always like to learn more

 

[oldrooster]

I generally process "extra" cockerels at 4-5 months. They've attained good size at that point and have been on pasture (I tractor mine) long enough to develop amazing flavor.

Do you feed beyond the grass and bugs worms etc? and if so how much per day per bird? and what kind of feed. thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I got the 28%+ from the guidelines for heritage Buckeyes that has been shared around. It works for me so far *shrug*
I would never keep them that high long term, but I like to maximize the growth potential of the first 8 weeks. It's no hill to die on, though. I work them down to 18% by 16 weeks.
ChickenCanoe, do you have any studies close to hand on it? I always like to learn more

Here are some rather extensive charts of nutrient requirements for turkeys, leghorn type and broiler type chickens.
https://extension2.missouri.edu/g8352
I have more but most of my sources are text books.
Here are a few good ones.
https://www.contextbookshop.com/boo...e-for-nutritionists-and-poultry-professionals
https://www.contextbookshop.com/books/nutricines
https://www.contextbookshop.com/books/fats-and-fatty-acids-in-poultry-nutrition-and-health
https://www.contextbookshop.com/books/broiler-breeder-production

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Do you feed beyond the grass and bugs worms etc? and if so how much per day per bird? and what kind of feed. thanks

This question wasn't directed to me but let me interject.
There's nothing better for chickens than pristine forage. The problem is that a tiny percentage of poultry keepers can provide what that means. It means a lush thick pasture of tender forbs vastly populated with all sorts of invertebrates and small vertebrates as well as lots of seeds. Chickens will rapidly deplete those resources if too densely stocked. Then when it is hot and dry, the pasture may dry out. When it gets cold, the supply of bugs and then the forbs disappear. So year round, it is important to provide a nutritionally complete feed all day every day, even if they don't eat much when good forage is available.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Do you feed beyond the grass and bugs worms etc? and if so how much per day per bird? and what kind of feed. thanks

Yes, they get supplemental feed in the form of fermented non-GMO chick starter (21% protein) from a local feed mill, probably about a cup each per bird per day (more in winter than summer), with "extras" like BOSS, fermented food scraps (I ferment a lot, for myself, too). I watch how much they eat and how fast - if there's feed left in the bowls, I know it's too much; if they're eating super fast ("licking the bowl out"), I add a little more at the next feeding.

 

[LilyD]

I usually raise a mixed meat flock each summer. I will have heritage roosters, Broad Breasted Turkeys and Muscovy ducklings that I raise out for meat. t get that in I've used the turkey starter or grower in a by Poulin. It's actually a turkey and gamebird starter and starts out at 28% protien and then goes to 22 then 20 for the grower finisher. My birds get no feed only water in the morning and are let out to free range on 2 acres of pasture land. They are my tick and horse fly control. At the end of the day I give them about 1/2 a cup of feed each, basically it's what they can eat in about a 30 minute sitting so I can get them back in the pen lol.

 

[Compost King]

To supplement a pasture when the season depletes food sources a compost pile is nice. Its full of bugs in winter and retains moisture (or you need to add some for proper composting) so it is ready to provide natural feed when the pasture depletes.