Game bird or grower feed for chickens

[Leigti]

Right now I am feeding all of my chickens grower feed. They are all adults ranging from eight months to four years old. I have oyster shell on the side.
Somebody at the feed store recommended that instead of grower feed I said switch to game bird feed. I would really like a feed that has animal protein in it. I have found a few that have fish meal, but they are extremely expensive. Would game bird feed be cheaper? Would it be better than grower? And what is too much protein? I’m shooting for 18 to 20%. Does that sound about right?
If it matters, all my chickens are Hans, I do not provide light in the winter so many of them are taking a break right now. And a bunch are molting. So right now I and giving them feather fixer and boss.
If game bird feed is a good option I would also appreciate recommendations of brands. Thank you.

 

[chickens really]

I'm not familiar with Game Bird feed...I feed my Birds grower all year with oyster shell separate ...During molt I toss a few handfuls of Dry fish based cat food a few times a week...

 

[Birdinhand]

what is your motivation for such a high protein mix, is this just for the molting? I've had very good results with a quality layer formula, no need for added calcium. I know from growing meat birds that one sign for too much protein is loose/watery droppings. if the birds look happy and their droppings look normal, it usually means all is well.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The feed store by me (Farm&Home) carries 2 types of gamebird feed (both from Purina) One is a grower that is 28% protein (way too high for chickens). The other is a game bird maintenance feed that is only 12.5% protein. I occasionally buy that for feeding adult roosters.
Be careful because the bags are identical. You have to read the analysis tag to know the difference.
If you want to up the protein and lower the calcium, you could mix the game bird grower with a 16% layer feed at a ratio of 9 parts layer to 3 parts game bird grower would give you 19% protein.

 

[chickens really]

If that's the protein content of Game bird feed...Don't use it for Chickens or Ducks..Simple....

 

[GC-Raptor]

Leigti, I like a layers feed with 18-20% protein for my 19 month old hens. I fed them a 18% start & grow feed for 16 weeks, then switched to a 18% layers feed over 2 weeks, till they were around 14 months. Then I switched to a 16% layers feed, because it was fresher and $2 cheaper. I went through 3 bags over 5 months and I was not happy with the egg laying or their appearance.
I went back to a 18% feed recently and have nearly used up the 16%.
I will no longer purchase feed less than 18%.
I think 18-20% protein is great for all ages of laying breed chickens, from day old chicks, throughout their laying years. GC

 

[Cindy in PA]

Purina also makes game bird feed called "flight Conditioner" I believe that is 19%. I used to buy it because it had animal protein in it. Sadly a few years ago, my feed store started getting game bird feed without animal protein in it, so beware of this. Purina makes it both ways.