Dietary requirments for chickens(particularly Jersey Giants)

[CrspyChkn]

I have a question for any chicken nutrition experts that may read this:

What is the recommended dietary requirements for Jersey Giants? What I mean is things such as percentage of protein, Carbs, etc. Also, if it is the same as other breeds, or you only have info on heavy breeds or any in general, I would appreciate knowing what those percentages are. TIA!

 

[nuthatched]

Jersey Giants aren't any different than other breeds, just a formulated ration, free fed.

 

[Folly's place]

x2. A good quality feed, all-flock, chick starter, whatever, and oyster shell and grit in separate containers.
Mary

 

[CrspyChkn]

Sorry, i forgot to specify my reasons for asking such a question. 1. I want to make sure that when I get feed, that I am not basically getting scratch. 2. I was curious if it changed from breed to breed. 3. I am considering mixing my own feed in the future(but making it into pellets if possible)
Thank you for your feedback!

 

[Kiki]

I have a question for any chicken nutrition experts that may read this:

What is the recommended dietary requirements for Jersey Giants? What I mean is things such as percentage of protein, Carbs, etc. Also, if it is the same as other breeds, or you only have info on heavy breeds or any in general, I would appreciate knowing what those percentages are. TIA!

Here ya go.
Notice the DOWNLOAD PDF for free button:
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/c...rements-of-poultry-ninth-revised-edition-1994

 

[Kiki]

Sorry, i forgot to specify my reasons for asking such a question. 1. I want to make sure that when I get feed, that I am not basically getting scratch. 2. I was curious if it changed from breed to breed. 3. I am considering mixing my own feed in the future(but making it into pellets if possible)
Thank you for your feedback!

You have a lot of extra money laying around? Is is much more expensive to try to make a balanced feed than it is to just buy a crumble or pellet at the store.

Stay away from whole grain type feeds and you bird will get a balanced diet from not having a choice on which grains or seeds to eat or not eat. Stick with a pellet or crumble.

 

[CrspyChkn]

Thank you very much. This info is very helpful. Have a wonderful day!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What is the recommended dietary requirements for Jersey Giants?

Generally speaking, it's true a chicken is a chicken and their requirements are about the same.

This quote..

"The nutrient requirement figures published in Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (National Research Council, 1994) are the most recent available and should be viewed as minimal nutrient needs for poultry"

Was taken from this valuable and trusted resource..

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...t-poultry/nutritional-requirements-of-poultry

There are green "table" links on the side of the page.

For me.. dual purpose breeds like Orps, Rocks, JG, etc.. will do "best" around 18-20% protein (starter, flock raiser, all flock, etc) with calcium source available free choice on the side. My research shows 22% protein provided the highest hatch rates which to me means more (micro) nutrients inside the eggs my family is eating. Excess protein actually decreased hatch rate (> than 28% in personal experience) Feeding a higher protein feed does tend to cost a few dollars more than using standard 16% protein layer feed.. calcium is cheaper than protein.. but I've seen the huge difference in my flock especially when molt approaches for the older ladies, since making the switch. This is my personal recommendation. Not to follow "minimal" as the guideline for quality or acceptable.

But also beware of what many folks call good protein source.. like meal worms or eggs.. while that may be true and good as a treat, enrichment, or a perk up.. they often fail to mention the high fat levels. Moderation is key.

How old are your birds and how many are ya feeding? Just gals, or got some guys in there too? Are you in the US? Consider adding your general location to your profile as it changes what resources are available and makes it easy for some of us discern at a glance and gets reflected in our answers.

Getting diet right has been very rewarding in my experience! Asking questions.. shows your birds are in good hands already, happy adventures!

 

[CrspyChkn]

Thank you for your extremely helpful and welcoming responce. Unfortunately, my parents would not allow me to show my location, but I can say that I am a US citizen. I am feeding 10 Jersey giants, 1 easter egger, 1 barred rock, 2 english game(or leghorns, or something else), and 1 tom turkey. I am now having to pay for the feed, and want to make sure that I am getting reasonable feed for my birds. In the future I am planning on breeding JGs, so that is a major reason why I wanted to know. I only have female chickens, but will be getting a JG rooster soon I think. I had figured that it would be higher protien and for larger dual purpose breeds which led to my thoughts of difference between breeds.

 

[Acre4Me]

I’ve had BJG, and found they did best in 20% all flock pellets, with oyster shell on the side.

Hatching though, I believe there are certain nutrients that are beneficial to eggs you intend to hatch. So, feeding the laying hens where the eggs will come from. Levels if certain nutrients should be in the x-y range (sorry I don’t know specifics). But, I definitely recommend a higher percent protein for the larger birds.

your turkey might need a higher protein too- this is likely depending on age. I know turkey starters are usually around 22% , but I’m not sure how long they need to be in the higher protein. When we had turkeys, we put them in the 20% all flock after a certain age and they did well (heritage turkeys, not meat/white turkeys).