Protein percent for young Leghorns?

[debbieharry]

Hi chicken lickens!

I have three young white Leghorns about a year old. They are laying well! Just wondering what percentage layer pellet people recommend? I bought 16% but saw a recent post that suggested lighter-bodied layers like my girls might need a higher percentage? Or are there other ways to boost their protein?

Thanks all!

 

[hysop]

I’ve given mine 16% since they were old enough and it’s been a year now and they lay real well. But I’ll follow to see if others suggest something else.

Mine used to free range and will be free ranging again soon, when they did I’m sure they ate tons of bugs which have protein.

 

[JaeG]

Production type egg laying breeds, such as the Leghorn, do fine on 16%. Heavier breeds/dual purpose breeds, such as Orpingtons, do best on slightly more protein.

 

[debbieharry]

I’ve given mine 16% since they were old enough and it’s been a year now and they lay real well. But I’ll follow to see if others suggest something else.

Mine used to free range and will be free ranging again soon, when they did I’m sure they ate tons of bugs which have protein.

Oh great thanks! Mine don’t free range - they are in an earth-floored run under their coop and have scratched up all the grass. I let them out to peck in the garden for an hour or two most evenings though, and I give them some food in addition to their pellets, such as meal worms (sparingly), fruit, oats, cooked rice, veggies, etc.

 

[debbieharry]

Production type egg laying breeds, such as the Leghorn, do fine on 16%. Heavier breeds/dual purpose breeds, such as Orpingtons, do best on slightly more protein.

Thank you!

 

[Alaskan]

I find that my Leghorns do fine on 16% protein feeding the summer, but are much better in cold winters with a higher protein.

 

[debbieharry]

I find that my Leghorns do fine on 16% protein feeding the summer, but are much better in cold winters with a higher protein.

Great tip thank you!