Longtail feed- which one should I get?

[loverOFchickens]

My local co-op sells Pen Pals game bird feed.I got the chick crumbles for my chicks but what should I get for them now? Through the summer my 2 hens and 1 roo have been getting free range, scratch, and a teeny bit of egg layer mash.I know this is not an ideal setup but they have nice tails.

At last check the roo is 12 inches long with a 9 1/2 inch tail and the females are 10 inches with an 8 inch tail (I think it has grown since then). I want to get them a game bird feed for winter to go half and half with scratch.

Here are the types with their analysis. They all come in crumbles What should I get?

GAME BIRD STARTER

crude protein min 28%
crude fat min 2.0%
crude fiber max 12.0%
calcium min 0.8%
phosphorus min 0.6%
salt min 0.2%

GAME BIRD CONDITIONER

crude protein min 20.0%
crude fat min 2.0%
crude fiber max 12.0%
calcium min 0.8%
phosphorus min 0.6 %
Salt min 0.2%

GAME BIRD FINISHER

crude protein min 15.0%
crude fat min 2.0%
crude fiber max 12.0%
calcium min 1.0%
phosphorous min 0.6%
salt min 0.3%

GAME BIRD BREEDER

crude protein min 22.0%
crude fat min 3.0%
crude fiber max 7.0%
calcium min 3.0%
phosphorous min0.6%
salt min 0.3%

The main protein is plant protein.
They also have ingredients but those would take forever to write.

Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
loverOFchickens

 

[Chris09]

loverOFchickens: I want to get them a game bird feed for winter to go half and half with scratch.

I think mixing half and half with standard 8% protein scratch would be a bad idea the protein will really drop...
Your GAME BIRD STARTER will drop to 18%
Your GAME BIRD CONDITIONER will drop to 14%
Your GAME BIRD FINISHER will drop to 11.5%
Your GAME BIRD BREEDER will drop to 15%

Chris​

 

[loverOFchickens]

Yes you are right it would, if I had it my way I would love to do just the special stuff.

The reason I would mix half and half is that my birds are in a regular (non-heated) coop.

Should I get the game bird breeder because it has a lot of protein?

The scratch feed is obviously NOT in crumble form and will keep them warmer at night. If I feed morning and night maybe I will just do half and half at night...hmmmm you gave me a new idea.

 

[rarebreedeggs4u]

Hmm, I just brought home a few bags of Game Bird Starter and scratch and mixed it 1/2 & 1/2 (as per the directions on the bag)...hmmm, now wondering if I should add another scoop of the game bird starter to each 2 lbs of the mix...choices, choices. I'd like to be able to use it as grower feed and as layer feed (with free choice oyster shell). Now you've got me thinking

 

[Napalongtail]

Howdy, Thanks for the PM

I would go with the 20-22 % feeds and quit the SCRATCH!! Here is a recipe for a proper blend of feed that is awesome for the chicks, hens and your longtail boys. It is what we feed 4 times a week.
12 eggs hard boiled and crushed with the shells on
1- 4-5oz fillet of white fish raw and cut small.
2 cups uncooked oatmeal
2 cups finely chopped spinach or other healthy green ( I use chard alot)
2 cups long grain cooked brown rice
1 can whole cranberries

I mix this fresh and feed 1/4 cup per bird don't worry about using too much for your chicks just figure 1/4 cup per 4 chicks.
Then take the rest and portion it out on a cookie sheet and freeze. When it is set up remove them and store in a bag until the next feeding. Sometimes when it is really cold out I'll just heat them on the cookie sheet and feed them warmed up.
Offer the game feed free choice at all times.

 

[Farmlife4me]

Quote:
Hi there ! Can you usse this with all types of chickens ? We are still new and learning , I do know that the feed we are buying (just layer) is giving our chickens diarrhea . Can anybody suggest something ? And my daughter has some OEGBs what is good for them for shows ? Thanks alot

 

[Napalongtail]

Of course all kinds of chickens can eat this recipe although for the everyday type layer breeds they don't need game bird or that high of a protein content. The reason a longtail breed needs so much protein is that the tail feathers will remain in blood as long as the male is not mating. Or so they should. This requires higher protein, Iron and minerals to feed the long tail feathers and continued growth. All of my birds enjoy their "Happy Snacks" I have also baked these balls in small muffin tins and taken them along on road trips. They seem to prefer the wet version but my guys are soooo spoiled they'll eat it if I feed it.

AS for the diarrhea thing I would recommend running a bag of medicated chick starter through them. If you are against chemicals in your flock then you can try baking some bran muffins and feeding pumpkin the canned stuff is fine, but real cooked pumpkin, skin ,seeds and all is great for them.

 

[Farmlife4me]

THANKS A BUNCH

I will be getting all of it today to make for them . And I will keep you informed ....