some people do this, i would imagine 8week since thats when coturnix are "full grown", but in all honesty, you don't have to switch them off. they will live long happy lives on GBS, they love that stuff
I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but I changed over my breeders to Gamebird Layer (Purina Layena) from GBS (Purina Startena BDM 50, medicated is all I can get). Rather than having two bags of feed, I wanted to use up the Layer so I can go all GBS. Anyway, I noticed that the birds are drinking and eating less Layer than GBS. Nothing has really changed recently. They are inside the house and their overhead light is on a timer. They do have a window, so the actual daylight has been getting shorter, but the bedroom light comes on at 6 and stays on until about midnight, so they get about 16 hours of light a day. Laying hasn't changed. The only thing that has changed is their feed. I switched them over gradually over a few weeks, mixed 2/3 GBS to 1/3 Layer, then 50/50, then 25/75, then this week it's all Layer.
I keep them on GBS BUT add finch seed after 8-9 weeks of age. They lay happily and live long lives. I also provide mealworms. I don't believe the GBS has all the necessities throughout life BUT THAT IS MY PERSONAL OPINION
Quote:I feel the same way. I just don't believe a factory made feed can meet all their needs. I also raise parakeets, dove, finches, and they get a huge variety every day. My friend teases they eat better than my family. One of their favorite treats is home grown birdseed fed while still green.
Quote:What do you feed when you want egg production? I am thinking of a 50/50 mix of grower/layer for egg produciton.
