It would suprise you all if you knew how much money is wasted by overfeeding protein to your chickens. There is no earthly way that a chicken can efficienlty utilize the balance of amino acids that make up the higher protein content in turkey or gamebird feeds.
Sure a chicken will grow faster and perhaps even bigger if heavily fed a near optimum ration but at an acceptable, or efficient, cost? Once they are done growing the only nutrition needed beyond maintaing is feather regrowth, egg laying of compenstaion for sub optimum temperatures
It disturbs me to see all the money wasted by husbandry practices that produce a meat chicken so far behind the genetic potential of the bird. Why in the workd would anyone want to feed a meat chicken for eight weeks when it could achive the same weight with less feed in six weeks. Yes, I now that "older" chickens have more flavor. For me- give me a nice tender juicy young bird and I can Google a million sauces to make it taste great.
Want to see the what can be done with genetic potential and proper management-
http://www.cobb-vantress.com/contactus/brochures/Cobb500_BPN_Supp_2008_(lbs).pdf
Also if you buy "treats" that are less nutrious and more expensive than a carefully balanced ration you are wasting money.
Yes - feed prices are high but the best way to save is by improving efficency, cause you can't raise enough corn yourself to make the world market price change.
Expenditures beyond that which is most efficient is either wasteful, fun, or a hobby.