High protein feed for shows birds

[BlackHackle]

Thank you! What do you dilute it to for your Light Sussex?
BlackHackle do you think the original poster could use Nutrena Feather Fixer feed to keep the Jap from dropping more feathers due to stress adapting to its new home?

I dilute it with barley and wheat grains which are lower in protein than the supplement. I use very little of the supplement because it is very rich in protein which is bad in some breeds that can't be a certain weight. I don't feed corn because it gives white feathers a yellow tinge. I do notice the white in Sussex is really hard to maintain in smokey places and places where the sun beats on them a lot.

Nutrena FF may work, what protein level does it have?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I use Turkey/Gamebird finisher as an all flock. It's 20% protein.

 

[BlackHackle]

I use Turkey/Gamebird finisher as an all flock. It's 20% protein.

Where can I get that stuff?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Your local mill or feed store. Turkey/gamebird starter is really high protein but the finisher is usually 20% and in pellet form.

My feeding is easy, keep all ages on same feed. When we are raising chicks everyone goes to non medicated starter which again is 20% protein. As soon as the youngest are around 10 weeks and able to take pellet they all go to the turkey/gamebird finisher. Both an all flock type feed and just use oyster shell for layers.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

Why does a show bird need a special diet?

 

[BlackHackle]

Your local mill or feed store. Turkey/gamebird starter is really high protein but the finisher is usually 20% and in pellet form.

My feeding is easy, keep all ages on same feed. When we are raising chicks everyone goes to non medicated starter which again is 20% protein. As soon as the youngest are around 10 weeks and able to take pellet they all go to the turkey/gamebird finisher. Both an all flock type feed and just use oyster shell for layers.

Thanks, I'll check it out!

Why does a show bird need a special diet?

Because on top of laying and obtaining size, show birds need good feather quality as well

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

Doesn't that mean something is lacking in the diet of "regular" chickens if their feathers aren't as nice?

 

[BlackHackle]

Doesn't that mean something is lacking in the diet of "regular" chickens if their feathers aren't as nice?

Probably that's due to lower protein. Layer feed only comes in 17% when show birds need between 20-25%

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Hens get ratty and worn by nature. Better feed will help some but there's not much you can do for hens late summer. Mine are nearing a molt and currently are looking their worst. Well, they look even worse during the molt but you know what I mean. Our local fairs are at the worst time of year for them so only show pullets. Wanted to show my cock bird this week but he recently lost all sickle feathers.

 

[BlackHackle]

Hens get ratty and worn by nature. Mine are nearing a molt and currently are looking their worst. Well, they look even worse during the molt but you know what I mean. Our local fairs are at the worst time of year for them so will only show pullets. Wanted to show my cock bird but he recently lost all sickle feathers.

But after the molt is when you get the finest of your birds. My Andalusian hens normally get far better lacing in their second set of feathers after molt