Making my own quail feed mix

[Steven673]

I'm new to this forum. We have 4 chickens and am reading up on raising quail. I apologise if this has been discussed but I looked through many threads and haven't found one that addressed this specifically yet.

I know for chicken feed it is much cheaper to buy 50 lb bags of individual seed and make your own mix. I was thinking this might be a good idea for quail too but I do not know what seeds would make a good mix for quail or what ratios. Seed mixes that i have found online is for seed plots and include cover crops. I am not wanting to plant seed plots and will have no need for cover crops. I will be raising Bob whites if that helps.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm new to this forum. We have 4 chickens and am reading up on raising quail. I apologise if this has been discussed but I looked through many threads and haven't found one that addressed this specifically yet.

I know for chicken feed it is much cheaper to buy 50 lb bags of individual seed and make your own mix. I was thinking this might be a good idea for quail too but I do not know what seeds would make a good mix for quail or what ratios. Seed mixes that i have found online is for seed plots and include cover crops. I am not wanting to plant seed plots and will have no need for cover crops. I will be raising Bob whites if that helps.

That's not really true. You may be able to buy seed and grain cheaper than a bag of a complete poultry feed, but it is far from nutritionally adequate.

Also, you can't use seed intended for planting because of antifungals and antibacterials that may be on the seed.
You have to buy seed/grain intended for feed.

Young quail need a very high protein because in the wild, they would be eating primarily insects at that age. High protein is not found in seed/grain.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Manor Hatchery]

I'm new to this forum. We have 4 chickens and am reading up on raising quail. I apologise if this has been discussed but I looked through many threads and haven't found one that addressed this specifically yet.

I know for chicken feed it is much cheaper to buy 50 lb bags of individual seed and make your own mix. I was thinking this might be a good idea for quail too but I do not know what seeds would make a good mix for quail or what ratios. Seed mixes that i have found online is for seed plots and include cover crops. I am not wanting to plant seed plots and will have no need for cover crops. I will be raising Bob whites if that helps.

ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE


BASED ON US MEASUREMENTS

410LBS CORN
480 LBS OF SOYBEAN
110 LBS OF WHEAT MIDDLINGS
8 LBS LIMESTONE
4 LBS SALT
20LBS DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE
1.5 LBS dl METHIONINE
2.5 LBS WITAMIN PREMIX
1.0 LBS OF MINERAL PREMIX

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

I found this on a thread from years ago. In my opinion it's cheaper to buy premade cause soybean isn't cheap.

 

[Steven673]

Thanks for the input. That list is exactly what I am looking for and helps a lot. Gives me something to compare. I would be getting non gmo feed so no chemicals. I'll be looking more into the prices of soy for sure and may end up just going the commercial route but want to check my options. Thanks again.

 

[Manor Hatchery]

Thanks for the input. That list is exactly what I am looking for and helps a lot. Gives me something to compare. I would be getting non gmo feed so no chemicals. I'll be looking more into the prices of soy for sure and may end up just going the commercial route but want to check my options. Thanks again.

Surprisingly purina is pretty cheap say 18 bucks a bag and Iv heard of some feed stores selling it for 14 a bag if u buy like 15+

 

[abot87]

Hi there.

Quail are fast maturing birds and as such they require a diet is rich in protein - a minimum protein content of 20% is recommended for optimal growth and health. To mix your own seed could possibly become an expensive solution, depending on the prices of the various seeds available to you. Also keep in mind that there are numerous seeds, plants, fruits and trees that toxic to birds.

Most seeds have a poor protein to carbohydrate ratio - while these ratios might be sufficient for other birds, it simply won't be enough for your quail. But the solution is simple, affordable and fool proof.

CHICK FOOD (Ratio 1:2:2):
Suitable for first 2-3 weeks

* Crushed kitten pellets,
* Crushed oats,
* Crushed barley,

Dry kitten food generally contains 24% protein as well as other beneficial minerals and the oats and barley will supplement the much needed fiber, calcium, thiamin, niacin and iron.

As an additional supplement/treat you can give your chicks sprouted millet and sorghum seed. as well as fine mineral grit.

MATURED QUAIL FOOD (Ratio 2:1:1:1):

* Dry cat pellets,
* Oats,
* Barley,
* Sorghum,

Add the following regardless of feed mixture.
* Crushed oyster shell
* Mineral salts (grit)

Dry cat food generally contains 20% protein as well as other beneficial minerals and the other seeds combined will adequately cover any mineral and/or vitamin shortfall. Additionally crushed oyster shell & mineral salts need to be given to ensure the digestive tract and calcium levels are properly maintained.

Furthermore, treats such as meal-worms and/or silk worms, sprouts and fresh greens can be given. Consider adding plants, either potted or earth-planted to your quail housing. Be sure to research all plants before introducing them to your birds as certain plants, seeds, fruits and trees can be toxic.

ABOT

 

[aviaryP]

Im feeding my 5-7weeks old quails a feed thats only 20% protein. Their not laying eggs yet. I don't know if i should start feeding them oyster shells feeding already or after?

 

[Manor Hatchery]

Im feeding my 5-7weeks old quails a feed thats only 20% protein. Their not laying eggs yet. I don't know if i should start feeding them oyster shells feeding already or after?

You should be feeding it to them already.

 

[abot87]

Hi there.

Calcium and mineral grit is an important addition to any quail diet, even if you use store bought feed.

These supplements can be given from about 4 weeks of age.
At that time the chicks should have grown a considerable amount and would be capable of eating the shells & grit without causing any harm to their crop.

The reason I prefer to not give it earlier is because the crop (a thinly lined membrane sack where food is stored until digested) can very easily be perforated.
The result of a perforated crop is death.

If you're still wary of crop perforation you can substitute the crushed oyster shells for cuttlefish bone (cuttlebone).

Cuttlebone is a marine based calcium supplement with a fibrous structure and easily digested.

ABOT