I know I've asked before - gamebird feed

[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%.

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?

I don't use game bird feed. Guess I read the game fowl feed label. I did not know there was a difference; never occurred to me. I was referring to Southeastern; I've always bought feed in Adel or Sparks, and have not actually checked all the labels in Adel. Next time I buy feed I'll see if they have some 28% and pick up a bag for treats! (I thought I looked over all the feed bags but guess not!)

 

[Wifezilla]

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.

Actually animals eat to reach a certain protein level. Protein is rather self limiting. Health problems in humans attributed to excess protein have not stood up to scientific scrutiny. The most common protein myth is that too much protein can cause kidney damage.​

 

[gritsar]

Okay, so y'all are confusing the heck outta me. Okay to feed gamebird feed in the 22% protein range until this molt is over?

 

[speckledhen]

Purina Game Bird Breeder/Layena is 20% protein, still contains animal protein and does help with the molt, as well as the 22% layer pellets I get on occasion.

 

[Junkmanme]

gritsar,

In my opinion, without any Scientific University Studies to support this opinion, I think your birds will do FINE with this feed. Not to worry. They'd probably do just as well on 15% Layer also.

My chickens are VERY ACTIVE and competitive with their feed. (MOST are yet "non-producing" pullets....STILL GROWING...so they eat like human teenagers! Hopefully, they won't be so hungry in a few months. (Or else my eggs are gonna cost me 40 cents EACH !!!)

I'm sure that there have been good studies on chicken nutrition done at Mississippi State and Texas A & M, for example. A "search" of those websites would likely provide detailed information. I have noted, however, that MUCH of the info is slanted toward "lower and cheaper" food costs as this is the interest of commercial chicken firms. Feed is a LARGE recurring cost AND within some limits, a "variable cost".

IF, as a "Backyard Chicken Owner", you are merely interested in the "BEST" feed. Read relevant nutrition requirements and feed as it suits you on that basis.

I figure that IF my Chickens eat it........it's probably good for them. (They are always hungry.....perhaps they'll get obese....or I'll run out of money and they'll die of starvation....Luck o' the draw!)

-Junkmanme-

 

[Marlinchaser]

Just to throw in a little more confusion, I feed the Turkeys 28% gamebird Pellets, the chickens 20% layer Pellets, and both sneak the others food anychance they get, I guess I need to get little NO CHICKEN and NO TURKEYS signs, do you think that will help.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Hey Marlin! How's my BFF??
Gosh, I've been lost without you around to aggravate me!

Okay, so didn't make it to the co-op today. Cat emergency took precedence. On Monday I'll check out their various gamebird/game fowl/dumber than a chicken feed and see what the protein %s are. The layer I buy is 16%. Whatever I buy better come in pellets or they are gonna be stuck with the layer.

 

[Wifezilla]

Given the choice, my ducks would eat the cat food. It is 38% protein. They have snuck in the back room more than once and drained the cat bowl

 

[Lunachick]

So I would assume that if molting chickens get some of that cat food, it's a good thing! Cause I noticed if a hen really needs something that you're not supplying right away, they find it! And one of my molting hens found extra protein with cat food, and when I threw out a breakfast sausage (non spicy)

she loved it and her feathers came back like they should have, and so did her eggs.

Eventually, that is.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Yeah, I'm already throwing some cat food out here and there, but the cats are on expensive food now and I figure the gamebird feed will be cheaper in the long run.