How much protein is TOO much?

[rodriguezpoultry]

I had forgotten to worm my birds. Couldn't figure out why I couldn't feel any meat on their breasts. Wormed them today and they are on 24% chick starter/grower until their feathers come back in.

I feel awful that they have to stay in the steel cages, but until we move, it's the absolute surest way to know they won't be killed by predators.

 

[paisleycj]

Quote:
I'm glad you asked, I didn't have any idea either. I've had chickens for 40 years and hadn't heard sunflower seeds called that. You'll be fine with your chicks. yes, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Usually stuff only goes wrong if you aren't paying attention. It sounds like you're interested enough that you'll do fine.

 

[junebug7334]

Quote:
I'm glad you asked, I didn't have any idea either. I've had chickens for 40 years and hadn't heard sunflower seeds called that. You'll be fine with your chicks. yes, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Usually stuff only goes wrong if you aren't paying attention. It sounds like you're interested enough that you'll do fine.

me too! I had no idea.....I just got the Rachael Ray EVOO thing!

 

[junebug7334]

Quote:
Are you connecting the worming to your post? In other words do you think they are really molting or losing feathers due to the worms? (I had a hen that was doing the same thing........

 

[Dead Rabbit]

13-14% protein is suffiecient. when moulting jump it up to about 17%........................a good guide to go by is look what the breeder pellets are. this is what the industry recommends. and you cant go wrong.

when mixing different grains and pellets...a good way to up the protein is to add dog food or cat food. but the end result you dont want to get any higher than 18%.........anything over 20% is murder on the fowl. it can burn them up in the heat, and burn breast meat off them. cause a premature moult too.

 

[Chris09]

I found this on line it is for Brown-Egg-Laying Strains from 18 weeks to 1st Egg. I know you have Exhibition Langshans but this might help.

Protein and amino acids:
Crude protein ---------------------- 16.00
Arginine ----------------------------- 0.72
Glycine + serine -------------------- 0.50
Histidine ----------------------------- 0.18
Isoleucine --------------------------- 0.42
Leucine ------------------------------ 0.75
Lysine -------------------------------- 0.49
Methionine -------------------------- 0.21
Methionine -------------------------- 0.44
Phenylalanine ---------------------- 0.38
Phenylalanine + tyrosine -------- 0.70
Threonine --------------------------- 0.44
Tryptophan ------------------------- 0.11
Valine -------------------------------- 1.80


Chris