Need help with feed dilemma

[Iheartkukens]

i bought some feed off of someone that will no longer be keeping chickens. i did not look at the protein content before i bought it. i still had feed left so i didn't look at the bag i bought from her till a few days later. The thing I'm worried about is, the protein content says 28 percent.

Isn't that waaaaaay to much protein? I want to use the feed, (I bought two bags from her). Do I have any options, so i can feed it to my laying hens?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yikes, that is high (and im one that opts for high protein feed). You could cut it with a lower protein feed. But with two bags worth, by the time you mix feeds you may find it is too old by the time you feed it out.

 

[K3nzi3]

You can also mix in raw, uncooked oats to minimize the protein in food. Metzer farms has a great food converter. www.metzerfarms.com

 

[venymae]

It will be fine, maybe mix in a little cracked corn or other lower protein feed to even it out. Our local coop layer feed is 20% and our hens are the picture of shiny healthy birds!

 

[Titan Farm]

Do you have the tag and can you post a picture of the tag?
The feed could be about anything, starter, show feed, game bird feed or even a mixer that is intended to be mixed with corn/ grains. To say if it safe to feed or not would be unsafe to say without first seeing the tag.

 

[Iheartkukens]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the cracked corn and oats and a lower protein feed.
Here is a picture of the tag that was on the feed bag. I hope it's readable.

 

[Titan Farm]

You'll be feeding as is or you could do like others recommend and adding corn/grain to cut the protein but keep in mind by you mixing corn to the game bird feed your not only lowering that proteins but your also 'readjusting' the other ingredients also.


If you decide to add corn to the feed and if you mix 60-lbs of your game feed with 40-lbs of corn you'll get a mix that's around 20% proteins.

 

[Fairview01]

Imo, that is a pretty good feed in that it contains animal protein. How old is the flock your feeding it to. I routinely feed or switch over to 28% for my newly hatched chicks and adults going into molt. Feathers are practically 100% protein. Both chicks and birds in molt have a very high demand for protein in their diet.

When it comes to % of nutrients listed on the feed bag, that is what research has determined the MINIMAL nutrient level required to produce acceptable performance in most situations and I think we have commonly accepted as the holy grail of what can ONLY be fed. If one of the companies just added even 1% more of something than other feed companies added, they would price them out of commercial poultry production. As customers we use bags of feed. Commercial customers buy tonnage. At that level every penny counts.

If the feed is fresh and at a good price, I'd buy more.

If you're worried about a high protein content the easiest solution would give them some free range time.

 

[chickens really]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the cracked corn and oats and a lower protein feed.
Here is a picture of the tag that was on the feed bag. I hope it's readable.
View attachment 1170773

I would call it a loss or sell it yourself?..Donate it to a rescue?...
Messing around with feed might cause you more harm than good...18% is what most Layers do good on..I feed grower and never layer..Oyster shell in a separate bowl...

 

[Mary's Backyard Chickens]

i bought some feed off of someone that will no longer be keeping chickens. i did not look at the protein content before i bought it. i still had feed left so i didn't look at the bag i bought from her till a few days later. The thing I'm worried about is, the protein content says 28 percent.

Isn't that waaaaaay to much protein? I want to use the feed, (I bought two bags from her). Do I have any options, so i can feed it to my laying hens?

WOW. No chicken needs that much protein. I would DEFINITELY stop giving that to my chickens, and buy a different feed. I would buy Purina not medicated 16 % layer feed.