It is nice to have the choice, Vjbakke. Most of us don't.
Here's some information from the
University of Missouri (click) that may be of help. Go down to Table 2. Keep in mind that these are kind of
minimum requirements. But, notice that they advise to lower the protein levels as the pullets mature.
The idea, as I understand it, is not to
push the birds into early laying but allow them to grow fully and have a few more weeks to mature.
My approach has been to feed more healthful "treats," especially from the garden, as pullets mature. They appreciate these things more and more as they get older, anyway. Garden veggies are quite low-protein. Since protein is about the most expensive feed ingredient - the commercial outfits are concerned about providing what is needed but not more.
A diet that is very high in protein probably isn't necessary - unless, the birds are eating very little. That may happen because of hot weather. That is why the feed recommendation is for 18% "in times of high heat." The layers only need so many grams of protein for their body maintenance and egg production but hunger is what motivates them to eat and that has to do with calories. They may have plenty of calories for those hot weeks but not have adequate protein.
Hope this gives you some ideas. Personally, I'd just plan on a good, high-protein diet during the hottest days of summer.
Steve
