% of protein to use for ducklings and quail

[ChickenCanoe]

Quail need 28-30% protein till 6 weeks then can drop back to 20%. So if you've been feeding the turkey starter, you should be able to switch them all to a 20% flock raiser.
While not ideal, you can cut the protein in the turkey feed by feeding scratch grains almost half and half. 8 parts scratch to 11 parts of 28% turkey feed will yield 20% crude protein.

 

[casportpony]

Ok. It’s basically saying 28% is good for the quails from hatch to lay then 20% is ideal. So I think I should be (lol) good to get a 20% for both. Is it a huge deal to be 1-2 % higher or lower in protein? I think it would be higher if anything all 3 get some mealworm treats once or twice a week

That's how I read it, but that is the only thing I read. I don't think it's a huge deal to be a few percent too high, but too low could be an issues.

 

[Kelllynnl]

Thanks everyone . I think I’ll get a 20% for both. I still have 1/4 bag of the turkey started left - should I mix the 20% with it and give it to both or just finish the bag giving it to the quail only?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Mix it.
6 parts of 20% to 2 parts of 28% will create 22% crude protein.

 

[Kiki]

Mix it.
6 parts of 20% to 2 parts of 28% will create 22% crude protein.

Ohh...I wanna learn how you calculated this.

 

[TwoCrows]

I have found with Quail, lower protein for adult birds is better in the long run than higher protein. If you start going over 28% protein, it can cause too early frequent laying, egg binding and fatty liver disease. 20% to 24% will still keep them laying and healthier over the long years, that is if you are raising for longevity. Quail babies however do require somewhere around 28%.

I think 20% for both Quail and Ducks will be perfect!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Ohh...I wanna learn how you calculated this.

With a Pearson's Square.
http://extension.colostate.edu/topi...lating-rations-with-the-pearson-square-1-618/

 

[Kelllynnl]

I have found with Quail, lower protein for adult birds is better in the long run than higher protein. If you start going over 28% protein, it can cause too early frequent laying, egg binding and fatty liver disease. 20% to 24% will still keep them laying and healthier over the long years, that is if you are raising for longevity. Quail babies however do require somewhere around 28%.

I think 20% for both Quail and Ducks will be perfect!

Great info thanks. I plan on keeping the females for eggs and 2 males for breeding and the rest for some scrumptious meals lol. I’m planning on incubating some eggs within the next 2-3 weeks so maybe I’ll just keep the 28% for the baby quailies

 

[Kelllynnl]

I have found with Quail, lower protein for adult birds is better in the long run than higher protein. If you start going over 28% protein, it can cause too early frequent laying, egg binding and fatty liver disease. 20% to 24% will still keep them laying and healthier over the long years, that is if you are raising for longevity. Quail babies however do require somewhere around 28%.
Is there a point they can be put on layer crumbles? The same as I feed my chickens?

I think 20% for both Quail and Ducks will be perfect!

 

[Kelllynnl]

Thought I would ask this too- besides protein content is there a difference in vitamins and minerals in starter and grower feeds?