% of protein ideal in feed?

[Cyprus]

For a while I fed 20% All Flock to all of my birds (most were very productive layers) when it was affordable. My birds were maintaining a very nice weight and appeared bigger/healthier on it. They are on 18% now and I have noticed a slight drop in weight and overall maintenance of my birds.
I would go back to 20% but it got a lot more expensive so I use layer instead.
I never had gout.

@KikisGirls

 

[Fairview01]

Protein content is important but the type and quality of protein is more so. Methionine and Lysine are limiting amino acids when poultry are fed a soy based diet. Poultry do not produce these but must be supplied to them through their diet.

These amino acids are derived from 2 sources, syntheticly manufactured in the lab and added to the commercial ration or animal protein is added to their diet.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My Golden Comets (30 months old today) were fed a Medicated 18% Start and Grow feed till 16 weeks when I mixed in a 18% Layers pellets for 2 weeks then just 18% Layers pellets. They started to lay at 5 months and all were laying at 19 weeks.

I switched to a 16% Layers pellet around 15 months of age and they started to feather pick.
I switched back to a 18% Layers pellet and around a month later the pecking stopped.

So my sex-links need 18% feed. I have been feeding them a Non-Medicated 18% Start and Grow with Oyster Shells separately.

I am currently raising 6 week old Barred Rocks on medicated 18% Start and Grow and will feed them at least a 18% feed when they are adults.
I believe chickens do well with a feed that contains 18 to 20% Protein.
Now that I have 10 chickens instead of 3, I have more options when the youngsters are grown-up, as I will be able to get a 40 to 50# bag of feed instead of a 25# bag of Non-Medicated Start and Grow. I plan to get a All-Flock feed when my chicks finish their medicated feed after 10 weeks. GC

 

[GC-Raptor]

My Golden Comets (30 months old today) were fed a Medicated 18% Start and Grow feed till 16 weeks when I mixed in a 18% Layers pellets for 2 weeks then just 18% Layers pellets. They started to lay at 5 months and all were laying at 19 weeks.

I switched to a 16% Layers pellet around 15 months of age and they started to feather pick.
I switched back to a 18% Layers pellet and around a month later the pecking stopped.

So my sex-links need 18% feed. I have been feeding them a Non-Medicated 18% Start and Grow with Oyster Shells separately.

I am currently raising 6 week old Barred RocksView attachment 1547529 on medicated 18% Start and Grow and will feed them at least a 18% feed when they are adults.
I believe chickens do well with a feed that contains 18 to 20% Protein.
Now that I have 10 chickens instead of 3, I have more options when the youngsters are grown-up, as I will be able to get a 40 to 50# bag of feed instead of a 25# bag of Non-Medicated Start and Grow. I plan to get a All-Flock feed when my chicks finish their medicated feed after 10 weeks. GC

I just noticed when clicking on a like that I said they started to lay at 5 months should say 4 months.
It won't let me change it now. So the only way to correct is by replying to it. GC

 

[chickengirl2016]

I read your post again ,
We did a mealworm farm years ago , in an aquarium... it was a good source of protein for sure but I never knew how much to give them . With the sprouts I feel ok giving them more because it’s veggies? Not sure if my logic makes sense,

I thought after 5 years I’d be a pro
Not so much

Great idea with the aquarium! I have 2 huge 60 gallon aquariums downstairs that i was getting ready to sell on craigslist but now i have a different plan.

Scratch and Peck and Big Sky also offer no corn or soy diets that are commercially prepared. Good Luck!

Thank you for these!! Scratch and peck luckily has free shipping so i think i will use that in the meantime while i am getting everything organized to mix my own feed!