Long tail breed feeding

[Compost King]

I was wondering if I should be getting any special type of feed for my long Tail breed (Golden Phoenix)

Is Game bird feed too high in protein?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there.

Let's talk actual (protein/calcium) numbers instead of marketing terms like layer, grower, starter, etc.. to many companies using different terms to say the same thing. Purina game bird chow comes in several formulations, always look sat the tag.

It's true that feathers are made up of 90% protein. But that's only half the story, it's also the amino acids they contain. Once the feathers are grown in and bird is mature (when protein was most key)... they are just maintaining body condition.

Phoenix, as far as could tell was neither a prolific layer or meat bird and also is more tight than heavy feathered. Also, still a chicken.

I prefer to feed roosters a low calcium feed ( about 1%). Too much calcium (>3%) fed LONG term *could* (does NOT mean will) to a bird not in lay (roosters, broody's, molters, chicks, juveniles) cause kidney issues, usually in those genetically predisposed in some way AND fed excess low nutrient snacks. (or sometimes the really pretty feeds that allow picking out favorite items such as corn. I repeat predisposed) For this reason I never use "layer" as it *usually* has about 4%+ and I have multi age/gender flock. The MAIN thing "layer" gives that most other feed do not is the extra calcium. I provide in a dish on the side for layers to take as needed. Other sample but don't usually over indulge.

Now to protein. A "starter" feed is really the most protein a CHICKEN should ever NEED, in it's life. That level is at 22%. (I'm dismayed that some brands sell 18%, but it MUST meet a law minimum somewhere. Maybe they've cranked up the amino acid levels). Most "layer" feeds are around 16%. But most birds will do best around 18%. I must also state that excess ( way >30%+) protein *could* (doesn't mean will) cause another type of gout, kidney failure, death. This is also about genetics and with many factors. Please, no fear mongering... just the power to make choices. Some people have fed roosters layer for very long lives.

But let's break it down... energy comes from only three sources.. protein, fat, and carbohydrates which includes fiber..

People like to feed their birds eggs... because it's loaded with vitamins and minerals and it's a great resource for protein at 34% ( be energy, aka calories). But this should be done sparingly as they are also 64% fat. Don't cut out that yolk though if you feed out eggs.. a great deal of the vitamins and minerals and half the protein are contained inside it.

I know, I'm blabbering on... sorry!

Many game bird feeds are higher in protein (24-28%) and amino acids than most chicken feeds.I'm not gonna lie... I'm guilty of feeding my chickens turkey and gamebird starter 30% protein. According to my research 22% was shown to give the best hatch rates. Which says to me more nutrients in the eggs my family is consuming. Keeping in mind not all protein are created equal (plant verses animal). I also do breed and hatch from my birds regularly.

I get good result using the Purina "flock raiser". It has 20% protein, 1 ish calcium. It has some added amino acids and such for other bird types. This is my true recommendation, though I have NO brand loyalty. However compare labels and see which one you like best, at a price you can accept, that is readily available in your location and has recent mill date. A game bird feed should not be harmful if that's what you wish. But most important thing is... don't dumb down the formulated nutrition by giving too many low nutrient treats. One (very small) minus to free range is not having control over what they consume. We just do our best.

Lovely birds,btw!