Meatbird Feed for Layers

[Creteloc]

https://www.calranch.com/nutrena-naturewise-meatbird-feed-40-lbs.html?v=102620171435

I'm having a hard time finding 20%+ protein feed for my chickens. I did find this at CAL Ranch. I don't have meatbirds though, but it's high in protein. Can I use this with supplemental oyster shells for layer birds?

 

[azygous]

Yes, but if the protein is 22% as some meat bird formulas are, I recommend just short term use as it's too much protein over the long term and that can result in health issues after some years.

Chick starter and all flock feeds are 20% and represent the higher limit of acceptable protein content for flocks that are assumed to face longer lives than birds scheduled to be butchered in the first year.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

https://www.calranch.com/nutrena-naturewise-meatbird-feed-40-lbs.html?v=102620171435

I'm having a hard time finding 20%+ protein feed for my chickens. I did find this at CAL Ranch. I don't have meatbirds though, but it's high in protein. Can I use this with supplemental oyster shells for layer birds?

What breeds are your layers?

I couldn't find the ingredient list on that. If it contains cotton seed oil it may turn your yolk green in color and I believe make them taste fishy.

If breeding and hatching I might go 22%... otherwise, the 20% in Purina flock raiser works well for me with OS on the side for dual purpose breeds.

You could also use any unmedicated starter feed. To me all the labels are is confusing as far as feed names go.

Barring the cotton seed oil issue, I don't see why you couldn't feed it to layers. Too much protein will simply pass through as extra smelly poo.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Oh, as azygous mentioned too much protein could cause kidney issues and gout if fed long term (same as too much calcium). But I would consider that to be in the 28-30% range. And I want to mention that it isn't only protein content that matters... It's actually the amino acid content of the protein that is important. Some feed DO add the amino acids as a supplement... but maybe still not increase the protein content??

In addition, too much of anything can cause fat birds which will decrease production and possibly cause reproductive issues. I wonder what the kcal content is of the different formulas, because all the % are offset by the rest of the formula.

 

[chickens really]

I feed Grower at all times its 18% with oyster shell on the side..Most layers require a bit more protein..20 is fine..