Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[coq au vin]

Quote:
Thank you. I have found numerous citations stating that the low protein idea is outdated/false and that in fact low fiber is a more likely cause (and of course boredom).

Whichever the case, my protein is at 20% with a good amino acid spread via fish meal and nutritional yeast. Following the "low fiber" logic, I've been trying all I can to get them to eat their barley. Thankfully, the problem is confined to only the Quechua and I've caught it early enough that I'm optimistic I can get it resolved, hopefully without any culling.

 

[chasehope]

how are you doing your sprouts? mine are free range chickens at the moment, so do they require the same extras as couped chickens? They are on 12 acres and they barely eat any bagged chicken food. they do eat goat grain though! It is 18 percent protein.

 

[snowbird]

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That's what I read but it was 20% didn't like that feed gave the birds runs so adding the BOSS and the sprouts and changing to a different brand of starter crumbles all that helped. I cannot get fish meal going to try that koi feed I guess....When I clean out the freezer I'll have meat to cook for them and my dogs ...

The BOSS is great just do not over do it in hot weather. Talk to some of the Gamefowl people and see where they buy their Canadian Peas as they are about 23 % I believe. At one time I fed a lot of all grain feed to my best birds when I was showing a lot of shows.

 

[snowbird]

Quote:
Thank you. I have found numerous citations stating that the low protein idea is outdated/false and that in fact low fiber is a more likely cause (and of course boredom).

Whichever the case, my protein is at 20% with a good amino acid spread via fish meal and nutritional yeast. Following the "low fiber" logic, I've been trying all I can to get them to eat their barley. Thankfully, the problem is confined to only the Quechua and I've caught it early enough that I'm optimistic I can get it resolved, hopefully without any culling.

I am only going by what I have found in my own experiments at my place. I have done several feed experiments here at my place and try and keep good records so I can go back and see what worked and what did not. There also is a new drug for pigs being used on chickens at too large a dose that will start them feather picking.

 

[coq au vin]

It does make perfect sense, since feathers are made of protein.

What product(s) have you used, if any, to stop feather-picking? I just got some Rooster Booster because it's what was available. I guess I'm going painting tonight.

 

[berkeleysprings]

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[Debbi]

Got 12 eggs due to hatch tomorrow night, and already 3 are pipping!! Guess I'll be up tonight!

 

[Organics North]

Quote:
I have 5 gallon pails that nest together well. I drill small holes in the bottom of the inside pail. Say 1/16" or so.. Anything smaller than the smallest grain you are sprouting.
OK now I simply fill the pail with grains then fill with water and soak overnight. Drain by pulling the inner pail out. Rinse the grains again with fresh water and drain. Know rinse and drain in the AM and in the PM. I start feeding them at about day 2 maybe just a little white nub on the grains. I do not let them get too sprouted with long tails nor do I bother with letting them green up when greens are available for the birds on the range.

I sprout
BOSS 15-16% protein
Hard Wheat 16% protein
Oats 12% protein
All in equal proportions.

Sprouting boosts protein by some amount. I have read anywhere between 10 and 20% from the starting level. My birds get sprouted grains morning and night mixed in with the dry ingredients of my mix.

If you want to see what I feed look at my byc page. I have it documented there.
ON

ON

 

[berkeleysprings]

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[Lotsapaints]

A feeding frenzy starts with my little grapes......I never let them out when those are close to being ripe