Feeding keets, grit? Fermented?

[CountryFried]

Fowl math struck at RK today, and I accidentally bought eight keets. I tried to search what to feed them (thought I remembered game bird), and got various answers. What *should* I be feeding them? I bought a small bag of MannaPro Gamebird Showbird, says "complete crumble for starting and growing." 24% protein. BUT!!! It's the only bag they had and they're 30 miles away, so I hate to have to wander over to check for more next week. TSC has nothing. There's a local mill a friend told me about I plan to visit tomorrow, so if I can figure out what they're *supposed* to eat, I can maybe get the mill to make it. (I also have 20 guinea eggs in the brooder, but I see absolutely nothing when I candle, besides yolk, so I'm not sure any of them are viable. They've been in the incubator for five days now.)

Also, do I need to give them grit with this Manna Pro stuff? Anyone ever ferment feed for guineas? I'm fermenting for my ducklings and goslings, but haven't read about fermented for guineas.

 

[R2elk]

Fowl math struck at RK today, and I accidentally bought eight keets. I tried to search what to feed them (thought I remembered game bird), and got various answers. What *should* I be feeding them? I bought a small bag of MannaPro Gamebird Showbird, says "complete crumble for starting and growing." 24% protein. BUT!!! It's the only bag they had and they're 30 miles away, so I hate to have to wander over to check for more next week. TSC has nothing. There's a local mill a friend told me about I plan to visit tomorrow, so if I can figure out what they're *supposed* to eat, I can maybe get the mill to make it. (I also have 20 guinea eggs in the brooder, but I see absolutely nothing when I candle, besides yolk, so I'm not sure any of them are viable. They've been in the incubator for five days now.)

Also, do I need to give them grit with this Manna Pro stuff? Anyone ever ferment feed for guineas? I'm fermenting for my ducklings and goslings, but haven't read about fermented for guineas.

I feed my guinea keets a turkey or gamebird starter that is 28% protein. Your MannaPro will be alright but you may need to grind it so it is small enough for them. TSC's management has made the decision that they are only interested in the profit they can make and do not care about what is the proper feed for the poultry that they sell.

The keets will only need grit if you are feeding them other things than the MannaPro. They can have grit but it should chick grit. I am sure there are people that feed their keets fermented feed. I do not. I believe in keeping feed available to keets at all times.

Do not be concerned about not seeing development in guinea eggs at 5 days. Their shells are thicker than chicken eggs and harder to see into. You can try candling on day 14. They also develop slower than chicken eggs since they can hatch from day 26 to 28 where chicken eggs only take 21 days.

Good luck.

 

[CountryFried]

OK, had a reply typed out and my battery died haha. I've been to the mill, they have a 28% non-medicated quail starter or a 28% medicated quail starter with Monensin. Will either of those work for the keets? I don't have a breakdown of the other percentages, it's just something they make for a quail breeder. I'll candle the eggs in a few more days, and hold out hope until then!

 

[R2elk]

OK, had a reply typed out and my battery died haha. I've been to the mill, they have a 28% non-medicated quail starter or a 28% medicated quail starter with Monensin. Will either of those work for the keets? I don't have a breakdown of the other percentages, it's just something they make for a quail breeder. I'll candle the eggs in a few more days, and hold out hope until then!

Yes, either will work.

 

[CountryFried]

Yes, either will work.

Thanks so much! I'll go get a bag tomorrow.