Fish meal for protien?

[roseyred]

So I have found it very difficult to find organic Quail feed or gamebird feed. Most of the stuff I found is not organic and doesn't have the protein requirements. I have been feeding my Quail my chicken layer feed and they're doing okay but all of a sudden they stopped Laying, I don't know if she's eating the eggs or she's just being stubborn but I'd like to experiment with adding more protein. I am in search of a food grade fish meal but the only fish meal that I find is labeled as fertilizer, even though it's 100% organic fish meal it still labeled as fertilizer. Does anyone know a reliable source of food grade fish meal that I can purchase online? Or is the hundred percent organic fish meal that's labeled as fertilizer okay to give to them? There's no other additives in it, I called the company to make sure and it's just fishmeal

 

[dc3085]

It is very difficult to find organic feeds that are proper for game birds. I know some were supposed to come out this year but I've not seen them anywhere. Making your own is difficult and intensive because even if you provide adequate nutrition you have to find a way to ensure even consumption throughout the flock. If given a diverse diet you have to worry that they are each individually consuming the nutrition important to them. Here is a thread that might help. YOu can also run an advanced search of the both the quail section and the "feeding/watering your flock" section to see many other threads on the subject.

You really should stop feeding them chicken feed and switch to game bird food until you figure out your organic feed. It's nearly 10% less protein than they require and it contains far too much calcium for quail roosters to process. It would be like a person eating only Ramen noodles every day.

 

[roseyred]

Would this

It is very difficult to find organic feeds that are proper for game birds. I know some were supposed to come out this year but I've not seen them anywhere. Making your own is difficult and intensive because even if you provide adequate nutrition you have to find a way to ensure even consumption throughout the flock. If given a diverse diet you have to worry that they are each individually consuming the nutrition important to them. Here is a thread that might help. YOu can also run an advanced search of the both the quail section and the "feeding/watering your flock" section to see many other threads on the subject. 

You really should stop feeding them chicken feed and switch to game bird food until you figure out your organic feed. It's nearly 10% less protein than they require and it contains far too much calcium for quail roosters to process. It would be like a person eating only Ramen noodles every day. 

Would thi work for now? http://www.organicfeeds.com/files/download/112
My feed stores do not carry organic anyhing cause they suck at life. I guess id still have to suppliment some protien but I've heard turkey crumbles are more efficient for quail

 

[dc3085]

Much better. 20% won't hurt them if you're only doing it for a while. If becomes a long term/permanent arrangement then I'd worry about supplementing protein.

 

[roseyred]

Yeah that's what I was thinking...guess I'll just get some non organic....as much as I hate to do so....till I can find a reliable sorce of organic turkey or game bird feed. Le sigh.....why do they have to put gmos and ******** in food. So ignorant

 

[MeepBeep]

You can try supplementing with brewers yeast 1 cup yeast to 5 pounds feed gives about a 2-3% protein boost and also provides extra vitamins including the good Bs.... I personally use the KAL brand nutritional yeast for my peas/guinea, it's not 'organic' but it's GMO free...

 

[Sill]

The thing you have to worry about with fish meal is it can up the mercury content in your birds and if you consume them the meat and eggs. I don't want to worry about mercury in my food, especially since I spend the money for organic feeds. How many quail are you feeding? It sounds like you have one hen? You can find organic soy bean meal at some stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts if there are any in your area. I've added a bit of linseed meal to chick starter in a pinch when I ran out of game bird or turkey starter. You can also cook and crumble eggs to up the protein for your quail.

Where are you located roseyred? It's easier for people to help you if we know the area where you live.

 

[roseyred]

The thing you have to worry about with fish meal is it can up the mercury content in your birds and if you consume them the meat and eggs. I don't want to worry about mercury in my food, especially since I spend the money for organic feeds.  How many quail are you feeding?  It sounds like you have one hen?  You can find organic soy bean meal at some stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts if there are any in your area. I've added a bit of linseed meal to chick starter in a pinch when I ran out of game bird or turkey starter. You can also cook and crumble eggs to up the protein for your quail. 

Where are you located roseyred? It's easier for people to help you if we know the area where you live.

Annapolis md. Can you give me some suppliers websites you use? I found one amazing supplier http://www.modestomilling.com/order.html
There like less than 30$ a 50lb bag but there in CA so shipping is over 200$

 

[Sill]

Yeah, the shipping is a killer!

Do you think there are enough people in your area to do an organic food co-op? Here we have enough people get together to put in a large order to an organic mill and have the feed delivered by truck every two months (you just need to make sure you order enough to last). This greatly reduces the cost per bag per person! This is the web site for our local organic food co-op. http://www.phoenixorganicfeed.com/

 

[Sill]

Lets see...other ideas...

Are there any people in your area that raise organic chicken? Poultry in general? Call and ask them where they get their feed and if they would be willing to order some game bird or turkey starter feed for you with their order.

Are there any Mom & Pop feed stores in your area that might be willing to ask their suppliers for organic feed? My local store will do that for me, and it usually takes around 4-7 days to get me feed, so it will hold me over until my co-op order comes in (though it does cost more).

What about putting your own ad in the Annapolis or surrounding area Craigslist to see if there are people there willing to do your own co-op? http://annapolis.craigslist.org/gra/

Here are the yellowpage listings for organic feeds http://www.yellowpages.com/annapolis-md/organic-chicken-feed

Here is a list of state organic producers, some list poultry and others grains. Find out if they can help you. http://mda.maryland.gov/foodfeedquality/Documents/2012_organic_producers_handlers.pdf This is one of those listed http://www.nicksorganicfarm.com/poultrylivestockfeed.html and he offers to mix custom organic feeds!