Protein %

[kristen2678]

Hi Everyone,

I'm expecting my Goslings from Holderread to arrive next week (pair of dewlap toulouse). I made a trip to tractor supply today and checked out their food options. It seems like I have a option in a starter ration and a flock raiser both with 20% protein. I could not find a ration with any less protein than that. His book recommends 16-18% at 4-12 weeks and then 16%.

As they get older should I thin the flock raiser with oats or try to find another option? I have ducks coming as well (runners). Eventually they will be able to graze and will have pond access.

I'm new to this area and have been using Purina layer pellets for our chickens. So far I don't love it. Their "out put" has doubled from their days on Blue Seal. I'm wondering about the quality in the flock raiser......

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Kristen

 

[Lollipop]

Kristen, you'll find that most waterfowl starter feed is in the 30% range, same as gamebird starter. You can feed the lower protien stuff and they will grow OK, but 30% will make them grow faster and larger. You probably ain't buying what I'm telling you, so you should read from some other sources to confirm it........Pop

 

[kristen2678]

Thanks. They didn't have any game bird feed - not a great variety at this Tracor Supply. Maybe I'll have to find another feed store. I'm reading lots about not having the protein too high to avoid development problems. 30% seems really high to me.

 

[Lollipop]

Thanks. They didn't have any game bird feed - not a great variety at this Tracor Supply. Maybe I'll have to find another feed store. I'm reading lots about not having the protein too high to avoid development problems. 30% seems really high to me.

I'll bet what you are reading pertains to chickens and that is true for them. If you feed a chicken higher than 20% then joint problems will ensue because of the rapid growth. That's the main reason why broilers are butchered so young. They get to where they can hardly move because they get too big too fast. Not so with waterfowl and game birds for some reason. Confine your reading to waterfowl for now........Pop

 

[kristen2678]

ok. Thanks. I'm reading Dave Holderreads book on geese and his Storey's guide to raising ducks. Both have much lower protein recommendations. If I don't have to worry about the protein being to high, especially of they are on forage too, I'm probably all set.

 

[Iain Utah]

Kristin, congrats!!! The dewlap toulouse breed is my favorite! Personally, I like Mazuri waterfowl starter for my goslings. It is 20%. At 3 weeks, I then split the starter with mazuri maintenance (which is 16%). Most places do not keep mazuri in stock, but can be ordered. My 2nd choice would be unmediated purina start n grow (18%), which usually is in stock at most feed stores, but if you use this feed, you may want to add niacin as a supplement.