Let me add something to this valuable information. Thanks for adding to the conversation.Well,,,,, let me throw in my opinion here. I'm not one in favor of feeding my chickens on a science diet. Chickens have been around since dinosaurs, and before humans, and there was no Purina back then.
I feed my chickens Alflock, since I have layers, and Geriatric non-layers.Alflock is 18% protein, and 2% calcium. Of course I provide Oyster shells free-choice. I also liberally give them scratch, and bird seed grains. Yes... I do break the Federations' rule of 10% BIG TIME.
.. Chickens also get all kitchen scraps, and anything else eatable. NO sweets or spoiled junk. They free-range in backyard when I'm around. Their run is is also large with plenty of things to scratch thru.
All my chickens live long lives. I also do not eat my chickens. I do eat chickens from the store regularly. and LUVthe Colonel
So let me view and comment on the Dumor 20%. It is not carried by my feed store, and I have no reason to search it out. Am happy with the feed they carry.
I,,, would not hesitate feeding it for the rest of the chickens lives. Everyone, (feed producers) will have slight differences in trace amounts of ingredients. It is the formula that each company decides is their BEST.
Now comes the 20% protein question.
Game bird feed is minimum 20% and up to 28% or higher.
The 20% feeds are recommended for chickens. I don't think chickens are going to start dying of organ failure from such protein amounts. Higher than necessary protein amounts tend to produce runnier stools, and somewhat smellier than normal. This happens usually if there is a high spike in amount.
Some things about protein;
If chickens are getting this 20% feed, and free-range, and get treats, then their total dietary protein intake get watered down to below the 20%.
Chickens that lay eggs, need protein to produce eggs. So for example, you feed your chicken this higher protein feed, you may achieve 300 eggs per year from said chicken. Same chicken fed a lower protein feed like 16% (industry low percentage to get optimum $$$ out of your hens) will produce less eggs in a given year, given all other factors being same.
I don't have charts and numbers with amounts of eggs, but basic science. You cant get out more if you put in less.
Protein is the higher cost ingredient in feed. That is why everyone tries to get by with as little cost as possible to make a nicer looking bottom line.
Hope this puts your mind at ease, about your feed.
The more eggs your chickens lay in a single year, the more likely they are to have reproductive issues. I am not advocating starving your hens of protein, rather, unless you are in the egg production business, I do not suggest you artificially raise their protein intake in order to get more eggs. It could deleterious effects on your hens.
