Game Bird feed growing fancy breeds?

[CatWhisperer]

I’ve recently started fermenting mine. The chickens love it. Makes expensive feed go farther and doesn’t matter if crumbles or pellets.

 

[Acre4Me]

@CatWhisperer - That is crumble. I was specifically asking for pellets.

@Acre4Me - Thanks. I'll look into them. I'd just like to be able to increase the protein the Orpingtons are getting in order to help them stay in good feather. The two feed stores near me have a very limited selection. I figure if I blend them with their layer pellet then the protein content will be somewhere in the middle and I won't have to provide additional calcium in the form of supplements.

Agree. We have some large birds, including very large BJG. In the past we had approx 35 quail among 6 cages. So, we needed the gamebird for the quail. But, with the large breeds we have and confining them primarily to a large run, we decided to go with a 20% feed as there is less fighting/picking when they have adequate protein. We supply oyster shell in s separate dish. In the deep part of winter, we will provide rehydrated alfalfa mixed with wet feed to give some variety and some greens. Alfalfa is usually a 16% min protein. I’ve read of others using canned meats (like tuna) or dry cat food (high protein compared to wet cat food), or fish food flakes as protein supplements. Meal worms of course, but they are apparently high in fat too, so not great in large/frequent quantities.

Good luck.

 

[ShannonR]

View attachment 1892182

Jesus, that's over $1 per lb!!! Tractor supply here sells it for less than half that price.

 

[ShannonR]

@CatWhisperer
You can save by not buying this particular item from Amazon.

 

[ColtHandorf]

I’ve recently started fermenting mine. The chickens love it. Makes expensive feed go farther and doesn’t matter if crumbles or pellets.

The smell of wet chicken feed absolutely nauseates me. I didn't feed fermented feed fifteen years ago and I'm not going to do it now. I simply don't have the time, the set-up, nor the olfactory strength to put up with it.

I may call the mom and pop feed store to see if they could order in pelleted gamebird feed, but if not, I'll order some online now that I can find a source for it. Blending it should be alright I think. I suppose if I absolutely have to, I can offer a feeder with oyster shell...