Feed Question

[Amadeusb12]

I have a group of five 3 week old Sebbies. They were initially on a 20% grower feed and I switched them to a 15% poultry feed at 7 days old. My concern is that I cannot find a waterfowl feed that is under 18% protein. I don't want to end up with feather/ wing issues, but do not want to feed them chicken feed and not meet their vit and mineral requirements. Any help or suggestions would be great. The feed is Nutrena.

All appear to be feathering well

Wing tips look good thus far. But, both parents are not really frizzy, just pet quality loving geese... Beth

 

[shelleyd2008]

Mix the waterfowl feed with cracked corn or another grain to decrease the protein levels.

ETA: Angel wing usually 'appears' between 4 and 6 weeks old.

 

[Balbinka]

Offer them grass and other greens.
Most of the time, they will end up eating more green food than crumbles.

Vegetation is often low in protein, helping balance out the overall percentage.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
Right on! get them out on grass even if it is only for short times during the heat of the day, after they have stuffed themselves with graze give them higher protein pellets as a bedtime snack.

 

[Sore Thumb Suburbanite]

I researched like a madperson before I got my geese; they should be on 18-20% protien for the first 2 weeks, then 16 % for the next 10... like Shellyd2008 said, you can always supplement the feed with cracked corn or wheat...careful on the corn though, it tends to make them a little more fatty-at least later on.

With my 50lb bag of 24% game bird/turkey feed (which also has the right levels of niacin and calcium) I just added 16lbs of rolled wheat and corn...I'm not great at math, but I think that makes for a 17ish% protein count.

I second the call to move them to the grass...I just put all my most hated back yard weeds chopped up in their water for the first 3 weeks... now they eat all those weeds in my yard! I don't have grass yet...just weeds...long story. Clover and dandylion are their favorite weeds FYI.

 

[Amadeusb12]

like the idea about the weeds

LOL
I have been giving them grass in their baby pool. They LOVE it. Our weather has been pretty awful to say the least. I'll try and get them out on the real green stuff tomorrow. B