Increasing quail Protein

[TLVquail]

Hello
I have read all the forums on how to increase Japanese quail protein but still would like some extra clarification. They are 9 weeks old and have not started laying yet.
I have quail food from Garvo (European brand?) for quails, but it only contains 13% protein, even though its for laying. I guess the idea is to add more protein. I am looking for a better feed, but struggling to find something (I live in a country where Turkeys are not a thing pretty much at all, so that's out). I also can't find mealworms but I did get whole dry worms for fish and it's 49% protein and low in fat but it's also expensive.
What are my options? I am currently adding alfalfa sprouts and flax seed sprouts and then give them 1-2 red worms a day from my vermicompost. I did the math and with the sprouts they get close to 22% and then I add the worms to make sure they have access to proper amino acids. Should this work? I know I can give egg whites or tuna but rather not if possible. I would be grateful for anyone to shed some light based on their experience. Thanks!

 

[mdees88]

What about chicken feed? Most chicken layer in the US is 17% protein, do you have anything like that?

Have you called your local feed stores (not pet or hardware stores) to see what the highest protein feed they have is?

 

[Alwaysfowlplay]

Since you do vermicompost would you consider raising meal worms? I would just do your best to find the highest protein feed you can so you can supplement less.

 

[Ratchnick]

Can you get soy meal? That's usually cheap and 50% protein.

 

[TLVquail]

Thanks everyone. I am going to move over to chicken feed with 17% protein and then add more protein. Yes, I can get soy and that's a great a idea.
Would be happy to raise mealworms, but I can't seem to find any purchase to start with. I think I will start raising earth worms though which have a higher protein content than red worms since those are easily accessible.
thank you all!

 

[Fenrisulfr]

Be carefull with too much mealworms. They are high in fat and should be only snack and not permanent resource.