Feed protein levels

[member 129538]

I'm trying to get clarification on protein levels for quail at different ages and I'm getting mixed results. I know their protein needs are higher than chickens and I should be giving them game bird feed. My local feed store has turkey feed with protein levels at 28% for starter, 20% for grower, and 14% for finisher. My quail will be for both eggs and meat. What should their protein levels be at various ages?

 

[ThaJuicyJuice]

Price for starter her is 19.99 for a 50lb bag. The lower protein level bags slip down a few bucks each level. Depending on how many quail you run, it may be wise to go with the starter all the way out. This is what I use, but I run no more than 100-200 quail at a time. Consistently recycling the breeding stock after 9-12 months, ensures good fertility rates and good tasting meat.

 

[dc3085]

If those are your only choices feed the turkey starter or mix it one bag to one bag tukey starter/flight conditioner (20%). You want to provide 24% crude protein for coturnix, but they can tolerate a bit higher. Higher protein feeds can lead to blowouts in birds that lay extra large eggs so beware.

 

[member 129538]

Is 24% protein ideal at all ages? Could you tell me what you mean by "blow out"? I figured I'd have to mix feed for them. I did last year for my turkeys (before I knew about this source) and it worked well. I'd rather not so I'll see if I can find another source. It's hard since I'm in the city where people prefer keeping chickens.

 

[dc3085]

Is 24% protein ideal at all ages? Could you tell me what you mean by "blow out"? I figured I'd have to mix feed for them. I did last year for my turkeys (before I knew about this source) and it worked well. I'd rather not so I'll see if I can find another source. It's hard since I'm in the city where people prefer keeping chickens.

30% starter feed is recommended for the first 8 weeks. After that 24% for all adults is recommended but I feed 28% pheasant crumble (king brand) mixed 50/50 with 20% flight conditioner (purina). Although many people feed them 28 or 30% for their lifetime and have few or no ill effects.

Any store that carrys purina products can usually order you purina game bird chow. It's a decent quality food (its not all organic or anything but I've eaten many a bird who ate nothing else but purina and they taste just fine) Also anywhere that carrys KING foods can usually order the 28% pheasant crumble.

A blowout usually occurs when you change protein percentages going from say 20% to 30% for example, but can occur due to natural factors. A blowout is a herniation or tear in the egg tract, it looks like the birds guts are hanging out of its cloaca. Basically if too large an egg comes down it ruins the tract and the bird must be euthanized. Just try to avoid switching adults from one protein percentage to a higher one.

 

[member 129538]

Thanks for all the insight! It's been very helpful.