Need help with feed dilemma

[rjohns39]

You're in luck. In typical layer/grower mixes the vitamin pack is 3-5% by volume. Turkey Starter/Game bird is about 7% by volume. The biggest issue when diluting or adjusting feed is the impact on the vitamin pack. What size bag do you have? I need to run some numbers to make a suggestion.

 

[chickens really]

Here's a bit of info, a bit unrelated but still useful..
Here in a local town at the Mill and Old Man thinks he has produced an excellent Chicken feed...Many people purchase it, trusted feed with wrong results to the flock, yet still trust his feed and it's a Bird issue...I shake my head..His feed is basically a scratch with grit in it..I bought a bag to actually see the contents..The classic scratch I purchase for my Ducks has better quality...Sorry I was not done but it posted anyways...
Nutrition needs to be balanced with Birds...I have a 12 year old Cockatiel that is still going strong and drives me nuts daily...All Birds need balanced nutrition...

 

[rjohns39]

Feed is all about balance. You've got to balance vitamins, amino acids, etc for it to work.

 

[chickens really]

Feed is all about balance. You've got to balance vitamins, amino acids, etc for it to work.

Exactly true....No balance ? Many things can go wrong and usually do...Birds are great, yet take time and care with balancing things out....

 

[Titan Farm]

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.

To be honest your statement incorrect.

Some chickens do better on a higher protein feed, most true heritage (non-hatchery) fowl do better on 20 to 28 percent protein feed than on a lower 16 to 18 percent protein feed.

My feed ranges from a 20% to 30% protein feed depending on age and what I'm achieving.

If you look at decent to good show feeds you'll find that there high protein feeds (20-28 percent proteins) because those birds need the extra proteins in there diet.

 

[chickens really]

To be honest your statement incorrect.

Some chickens do better on a higher protein feed, most true heritage (non-hatchery) fowl do better on 20 to 28 percent protein feed than on a lower 16 to 18 percent protein feed.

My feed ranges from a 20% to 30% protein feed depending on age and what I'm achieving.

If you look at decent to good show feeds you'll find that there high protein feeds (20-28 percent proteins) because those birds need the extra proteins in there diet.

Show Birds? Maybe just before a show?....Not layers

 

[Titan Farm]

A good percentage of show feeds are meant to be fed year round.
My birds never see less than a 20% protein feed and that's when there in a holding pen (there really not used for breeding, eggs or show. I'm holding them to see just what they turn out like or a rest period after breeding) other than that there on a right around 22 to 25 percent protein, molting birds can see a 30% protein.

 

[Iheartkukens]

I just want to thank everyone for their reply's. I love this forum!!!

I have 2 Dominiques and 2 white barred rocks (they are quite big) am I correct when assuming barred rocks are a duel purpose bird? (I do not plan on eating them by the way, just for eggs). They are all 28 wks old.

The bag of feed that is 28 percent protein is the 50lb size.

I have not fed this to any of my chickens yet, I have other feed to finish up first.

My other chicks are about are 25 wks old., and are not laying yet. 2 silkies, and 2 gold laced Wyandottes. I don't plan on giving the younger birds this feed.

If it is OK to feed the new high protein feed, would it be better to mix it with cracked corn, or oats? those two would be the easiest, or is there a better mix?

I also have grit and oyster shell readily available for the older girls, and just grit for the younger girls and my silkie cockerel.

 

[K3nzi3]

Your layers will probably benefit from the higher protein level. If you think your birds would do better on a lower protein though, go ahead and cut it with other things.
I know that oats and corn are probably the most common thing you will find that can cut down on the protein.
If you do change to the higher protein, I would do as gradually as possible so as not to upset their digestive systems

 

[rjohns39]

Ok, my calculations make some assumptions as the label doesn't give enough specifics.

• Birds Have access to fresh grass and bugs
• The turkey starter is based on a standard production turkey ration
• The amino acids and vitamin pack are currently balanced
• Since we don't know what grains at what quantities are in the mix, I'm avoiding grains with upper limits. (such as barley and oats)
• I'm targeting a 20-22% protein, consistent with SPN recommendations for heritage Layers. Given the time of year a little more protein isn't an issue.

That said, a 5 gallon bucket holds roughly 25 lbs of feed. I would mix 12 pounds of cracked corn (if you want a slightly higher protein you can back it off a pound or two) with 25 pounds of the feed. This will result in diluting your vitamin pack to a little more than 3.5% which is adequate for layers. Adding corn isn't going to influence the ratio of amino acids to vitamins, so I'm not concerned there. We are diluting calcium from an already low level significantly, so I would add a 1/4 pound of oyster shell to the feed, and make sure you monitor their usage of the oyster shell you offer free choice. Phosphorus will also be diluted but not too terribly bad.

In the end it should look something like this. The protein is higher than actual as I was having trouble hitting the mark for their mix, compared to a standard production mix.
Nutrient Name: Amount
Crude Protein 20%-22.0%
Crude Fat 6.2%
Crude Fiber 4.6%
Calcium 1.15%
Phosphorus 0.67%
Salt added 0.07%
Sodium 0.04%
Energy 1,381

Hope that helps.