Question about protein percentage in feed

[Biddylover]

Four of my hens are 25 weeks old, I took some advice from an old local chicken farmer in town. He mentioned the imporance of the amount of protein in the feed, says he starts at at least 22 percent when they are 18 weeks old. Once they are laying stop feeding them that high because they will go blind. Right now mine are on gamebird mix it is 26 percent, no eggs no signs no nothing. He mentioned that if I'm not careful they will be seasonal layers and if I want them to lay all the time to give them higher protein Anyone know if there is any truth to what that gentleman said and what are mealworms for.

 

[briteday]

I've never heard of a chicken, or anything else, going blind from protein!!!

I feed mine starter chick food until 3 months, move them to grower, and then on to gamebird feed (26-30% protein) as they mature and have full access to free ranging all day. I figure we don't have many bugs around here (live in a desert climate) and all of the plant material they eat really reduces their protein intake.

I have yet to have a chicken go blind. And whether they were on layer pellets (16%) or gamebird, my chickens lay all year round without additional light during the winter.

 

[Superior Chicks]

I AM an old chicken farmer

and I have never heard of such nonsense.

I have never heard of a chicken going blind from too much protein after point of lay. Then on the other hand he tells you if you want them to lay all the time to GIVE them HIGHER protein?

I'm confused...........does he want you to have blind chickens that lay?

IMHO the gentleman is talking out of both sides of his mouth. Please take no offence if this is a personal friend, I mean none. But you asked for opinions................and I usually give mine when not even so politely solicited............

Ma

 

[Biddylover]

okay I've read both your responses and feel much better

and I got a good laugh out of the blind chickens laying comment... that was good. Don't worry even if he had been a personal friend I prefer honest opinions

durn old man really had me going, was freaking out over my chickens thinking I did something wrong

 

[dancingbear]

I've never heard any such thing either. I have heard of kidney damage from too much protein, in dogs. Probably in more sedentary dogs, not working or hunting dogs. I don't know if it would be a problem in chickens or not.

I doubt it, though. I feed mine between 18% and 22%. I found that 16% layer ration just isn't high enough. Mine lay a lot better with a higher protein percentage.