Minimum % protein for coturnix quail chicks?

[Cazook]

Have some coturnix due to hatch soon but after searching high and low the only feed I've been able to find tops out at 19-20%. Most places I've seen recommend 23-25% for chicks to help them grow correctly. Will they be alright on this lower protein percentage? If not is there a way to supplement a higher protein safely (ie mealworms maybe?)

It seems like high-protein feeds are common in USA but here in UK I have found (chicken) chick crumbs with 16% protein and you are hard to find even a 17% protein layer feed. Most grower feed is only 14-15%. Though I know most recommend more, so not sure what is going on here. Different practices?

 

[Nabiki]

Quail chicks should have around 28% protein. If they only get 19-20% they're not likely to thrive, and you will probably lose some of them.

 

[Cazook]

I found a 'game feed' at 27% protein but only sells in a 50lbs bag. If I feed this to the chicks can I mix it with less protein ingredients later when they are fully grown? Since I don't think a dozen of them will go through that much from 0-4 weeks lol

 

[Sammi_0411]

Country crumb or turkey gamefeed crumb 23% this ur first time mine too i hatches out 33 healthy quails out of 48 eggs

 

[Cazook]

Yep first time. I have chickens and ducks but it's rapidly turning into a 'multi-flock'. 23 eggs in the incubator just now so I wonder the results...

 

[Sammi_0411]

Good luck nevwr expected this many to hatch lol x

 

[Cazook]

They are very cute. Love the one just chilling in the food dish haha.

 

[gdg327]

Have some coturnix due to hatch soon but after searching high and low the only feed I've been able to find tops out at 19-20%. Most places I've seen recommend 23-25% for chicks to help them grow correctly. Will they be alright on this lower protein percentage? If not is there a way to supplement a higher protein safely (ie mealworms maybe?)

It seems like high-protein feeds are common in USA but here in UK I have found (chicken) chick crumbs with 16% protein and you are hard to find even a 17% protein layer feed. Most grower feed is only 14-15%. Though I know most recommend more, so not sure what is going on here. Different practices?

According to Chris on the Slightly Rednecked YouTube channel you can increase the protein by adding dry cat food to your feed. You might want to check out his channel.

 

[JaeG]

I'm in New Zealand and the highest protein feed I can get is 20%. I've raised many happy, healthy quail chicks on that feed.

 

[Sammi_0411]

They are very cute. Love the one just chilling in the food dish haha.

y seem to do that a lot lol