California - Northern

[fowlman01]

My daughters buff brahma bantams arrived safely

They look like very good quality birds.

Walt

 

[Happy Chooks]

My daughters buff brahma bantams arrived safely

Beautiful. If I ever got into bantams, they would tempt me for sure. I've always loved the buff columbian coloring. LF Brahmas I could never afford to feed, they are HUGE!

 

[curious chickee]

Anyone use Game Bird feeder for molting birds with the higher protein? Thank you.

I use ground catfish food, 32% protein, add that to their layer to increase protein. A 50 lb bag costs $22. I usually mix 2 parts layer (15% protein) to 1 part catfish, brings my protein up to 20%. Layer costs $12 for 50lb bag. My feed store game bird feed is 14% protein so it Is not a feasible option.

 

[curious chickee]

Beautiful.  If I ever got into bantams, they would tempt me for sure.  I've always loved the buff columbian coloring.  LF Brahmas I could never afford to feed, they are HUGE!

I was so happy when chose this breed as I love LF Brahma but don't have any.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Anyone use Game Bird feeder for molting birds with the higher protein? Thank you.

I haven't this year, but yes, I have used it for molting birds. I usually mix it with Flockraiser. It's great for extra protein.

 

[OR4-hmom]

I use ground catfish food, 32% protein, add that to their layer to increase protein. A 50 lb bag costs $22. I usually mix 2 parts layer (15% protein) to 1 part catfish, brings my protein up to 20%. Layer costs $12 for 50lb bag. My feed store game bird feed is 14% protein so it Is not a feasible option.

I feed my bantams game bird crumbles a!! The time. They preferred them over the larger pellet of the layer. It is 21% protein, I've also picked up Turkey, game bird feed 28% when they go through an I'll timed molt.

Nice tails on the brahmas. It's nice to see wide tee pees instead of all the pinched tails on the hatchery birds.

 

[ronott1]

I use ground catfish food, 32% protein, add that to their layer to increase protein. A 50 lb bag costs $22. I usually mix 2 parts layer (15% protein) to 1 part catfish, brings my protein up to 20%. Layer costs $12 for 50lb bag. My feed store game bird feed is 14% protein so it Is not a feasible option.

Be careful--catfish feed can have bad things in it because it is feed for fish.

Too much protein is not really the answer for molting. 18% is all you need and that is what the feather fixer has.

 

[curious chickee]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/576171/have-you-seen-pellet-game-feed/20

This thread explains the feeding catfish for higher protein.

 

[ronott1]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/576171/have-you-seen-pellet-game-feed/20

This thread explains the feeding catfish for higher protein.

How long have you been feeding your flock catfish feed?

Share your experiences with hens over 2 years old.

 

[curious chickee]

I have been feeding it for about 6 months to increase the quality of feathers, I also ferment my feed. Usually add about 3 cups ground to my 5 gallon feed bucket, I like protein around 18% for maintenance. I am bumping it up to 20% for molting. This is based on the research I have done for feeding feathered feet chickens (Cochin & brahma) most feed around 18% protein. It is fish meal and soy meal based for the protein and I know some worry about egg flavor, I personally can't notice any difference.

My flock is still young not 2 yet, learning from those with many years experience and putting it into practice. My first year was just the basic leave out dry feed and water. This year I have been researching ways to make it better for me and my flock.