Increasing Protein

[rebrascora]

Remember to limit scratch grains and other treats to what they can consume in 10 minutes twice a day. 3 times a day in sub freezing temps. Layers feed should be fed unlimited. Empty and clean feeder every 3 months, monthly in damp or humid weather. GC

There is a big difference between what they can eat in 10 mins if it is scattered around over a large area or if it is put in a pile on the ground or in a container. Personally I think it is better to quantify the amount and say that it should not be more than 10% of their daily ration.
To my mind, it seems to defeat the object feeding a higher protein feed and then giving them a good helping of a lower grade food like scratch. I appreciate we all like to treat our birds and we all know they love scratch but feeding a 16% protein feed and treating them to a handful of mealworms seems like a more sensible tactic! And 16% layer is cheaper and easier to come by.

 

[Welshies]

There is a big difference between what they can eat in 10 mins if it is scattered around over a large area or if it is put in a pile on the ground or in a container. Personally I think it is better to quantify the amount and say that it should not be more than 10% of their daily ration.
To my mind, it seems to defeat the object feeding a higher protein feed and then giving them a good helping of a lower grade food like scratch. I appreciate we all like to treat our birds and we all know they love scratch but feeding a 16% protein feed and treating them to a handful of mealworms seems like a more sensible tactic! And 16% layer is cheaper and easier to come by.

Agreed on the cheap part, BUT
One thing I do for my flock is feed 18% maintenance ration. Safe for all including young chicks and roosters. I give oyster shell on the side free choice, one $20 25kg bag has lasted me 2 years.

 

[GC-Raptor]

There is a big difference between what they can eat in 10 mins if it is scattered around over a large area or if it is put in a pile on the ground or in a container. Personally I think it is better to quantify the amount and say that it should not be more than 10% of their daily ration.
To my mind, it seems to defeat the object feeding a higher protein feed and then giving them a good helping of a lower grade food like scratch. I appreciate we all like to treat our birds and we all know they love scratch but feeding a 16% protein feed and treating them to a handful of mealworms seems like a more sensible tactic! And 16% layer is cheaper and easier to come by.

Yeah, I scatter seeds over a large area so the bottom of the pecking order get some. All in a pile, the little hens wouldn't get any. GC

 

[Welshies]

Yeah, I scatter seeds over a large area so the bottom of the pecking order get some. All in a pile, the little hens wouldn't get any. GC

Scattering them is my preference too. I find they are kept far busier and healthier that way.