More protein in their diet?

[spies04]

Hi -- My kids recently showed our Buff Orphingtons and Silver Laced Wyandottes. The judge commented that they need to be a bit fuller and we should increase the protein in their diet. In looking at the layers that I am feeding and the available brands, it appears to be 18 to 20%. How can I increase their protein past that?

thanks!!

 

[Fred's Hens]

I'm not altogether sure you can/should. 18-20% protein is pretty high already. You might want to get another opinion from another successful show person.

 

[spies04]

Is there a way to fill them out more then? They felt they were a little small or thin.

 

[txreddirtgirl]

I've heard cat food has a higher protein level. I read on here where some people were supplementing with that.

 

[ChickenAl]

Fred's right about not going overboard on the protein.

You may want to try mealworms as treats. About 56% protein in them, but don't overdo it! Game bird feed is higher in protein and Manna makes a conditioner that's around 22%. UltraKibble is 32.25%. Just be careful not to use over 10% of their ration with the high protein supplements.

 

[colebarnhart]

Maybe that judge is just used to looking at "steroid chickens"

 

[Chris09]

Quote:

it appears to be 18 to 20%

What do you mean 18 to 20? Is it Crude Protein, min. 18% or Crude Protein, min. 20%
When was the last time you wormed your birds, how much are you feeding them, are you feeding other stuff other than there main poultry feed and if so what is it and how much?

Chris​

 

[SarahBeth9394]

Maybe a hard boiled egg or two would do it. However I do have an odd thought. We are having one heck of a heat spell right now so maybe they aren't eating as much. Mine seem to eating plenty but it's my first summer with chickens so I can't guess what's normal. None of them are real plump. But the barred rock and wyandottes seem to have a rounder body to them than the EE's and RIR's do.