They must they still don't lay. They are 18 weeks old I get an egg once in a while. I have 16 hens no eggs. I'm feeding 24% chick starter and give them cat food, yoguart, greens and fruit. I see mating going on so what gives? These are coturnix by the way.
#1 rule,,,A balanced game bird layer ration is the way to go, If Game birds get to fat or do not have the proper diet there production will be lost.. ~Wilds~
farrier! : Quote:Who makes a game bird layer? I use gamebird starter for my adults they lay extremely well. I reccomend just finding any game bird (nonmedicated), turkey feed will even work.
farrier! : Quote:Who makes a game bird layer? Purina makes a game bird layer, but I have to special-order it through my feed store. ETA: I feed mine a medicated game bird starter and it doesn't affect them. Is it possible they are eating the eggs?
I really don't think what food you use will make a difference. I use laying mash with mine and they still lay every day. Where do you have them? Check into if they get enough light every day. Mine are in a covered area but they still get plenty of light during the day. You may have to add a light to their pen on a timer. However, if they are mating they may be getting ready to lay anyway but they are very late.
Purina makes a Game Bird Chow Game Bird Breeder Layena. That's what we feed our older Quail and we get LOTS of eggs... We use the Game Bird Startena for chicks until 7 or 8 weeks old when they begin laying then switch gradually over to Layena. http://www.purinamills.com/OurProducts.aspx?product=gamebird I imagine the higher protein Startena isn't bad for them but we get good results and figure the Layena has more shell strengthening ingredients in it. ~shrug~ David
Feed does make a difference. Mine were laying great. Feed store ran out of gamebird feed, started feeding chick starter, eggs stopped. We started the gamebird feed back last week and I am getting lots of eggs again. Didn't mean to do a feed test, but guess I did by accident. The Purina Gamebird is great on my quail. I am buying an extra bag now just so that won't happen again.