I know I've asked before - gamebird feed

[gritsar]

I know I've asked before, but my little brain is overtaxed right now and new info. is not sticking.

My entire flock is molting. I'm still getting a few eggs here and there.

I have to go to the co-op for feed today. I'm thinking of switching the chickens to gamebird feed (for the higher protein) until this molt is over and continuing to offer the oyster shell on the side.

Any reason I shouldn't?

Also, do they sell gamebird feed in pellet form?

 

[Akane]

I feed gamebird feed to all of mine all the time. I only have 22% gamebird feed though. The really high protein stuff would probably have to be mixed with something to cut the protein. You probably won't find it in pellets since quail and most gamebirds are small. Even my smallest bantams can't eat pelleted feed so the quail most definitely can't.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I hadn't thought about that aspect of it, although the tiny little finches that get into my coop during the summer seem to have no problems gobbling up my layer pellets.

Guess I'll find out about the pellets form when I get to the co-op. I'll check on the protein % before buying it too.
Thanks.

 

[briteday]

I'm just curious...if higher protein doesn't hurt a gamebird...being in the same taxonomical species as chickens...why would higher protein be detrimental to a chicken??? The 4-H kids around here feed about 30% protein to their show birds for about 6 months out of the year and they all seem to be fine, long-lived, and laying plenty of eggs, acting like normal chickens.

 

[Junkmanme]

I just bought feed a few days ago. One of the bags I bought was Layer Feed, pelleted, at 22% protein.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Sheesh. Around here, we have a choice between 14% and 15% protein in layer feed. I do feed supplemental protein, but would sure rather have a choice like that. Even the game bird feed is only around 17%.

 

[Pine Grove]

Quote:
Sheesh. Around here, we have a choice between 14% and 15% protein in layer feed. I do feed supplemental protein, but would sure rather have a choice like that. Even the game bird feed is only around 17%.

I personally know every Feed Store owner in Lowndes,Cook,Berrien,Tift,Colquitt and Lanier counties, All of these carry gambird feed with 20-28 % protein, The Game Fowl feeds are around 17% .. May I ask what brand you use?

 

[Wifezilla]

I use 24% game bird feed for my ducks. They are doing great

 

[Akane]

Chickens don't use as much protein as gamebirds. Quail and similar expend more energy and compared to body size lay larger eggs. They require more nutrients for their body size to stay healthy and will actually use the extra protein given to them while chickens will not. Excess protein can lead to a variety of long term health problems in animals. Overall it just stresses the body because of having to eliminate all the extra. Since it only causes long term health problems that means you won't notice the negative differences in the animal until you compare several animals being fed a low protein diet to several animals being fed a high protein diet over a period of time. I don't know exactly what is too high for a chicken though. Considering they do fine on 16% feeds I would prefer not to go over the 22-25% found in high protein layer feeds and lower protein gamebird feeds.

 

[ams3651]

I feed mine 15% game bird and they all do fine. Here its either 15% or 22% and I thought that was too high, should I switch to the higher protein? They were a year old in May 09 and have never molted, at least as I understand it.