Sdwd

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
That Hoarders Show is really gettin' to ya, Nella! You are gettin' rid of everything now!

 

[Braclin]

Kathy:
THose first babies look almost Lavender. These Partridges are my first ever Cochins. Not sure about the sexing on them yet. They are hatch mates with the Turkeys so they are getting a little more protein in their feed. Thats the reason for the quick growth, but they will be weaned down to normal feed in the next week or so. Also have the Partridge Rock chicks that are a week behind the rest.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
OH ! OH ! OH ! ! ! YES, Brandon, I have seen that, too! Feeding the higher protein game bird feed, my chicks grew faster and larger, I swear!

 

[speckledhen]

They do grow very well on Game bird feed. I've use the Flight Conditioner by Purina since it has animal protein and is about 19%, but dang, their poop smelled to high heaven! Folks like NYReds feed game bird grower like that from hatch throughout their lives and just add calcium for layers. Not a bad plan and no changing of feeds, etc.

 

[NellaBean]

I noticed some unwanted things feeding 25-28% for starter up to 3-4 months. I like to stay at around 20-22%......now I am currently feeding 22% layer that I found locally for less than $12 a bag. Even has animal proteins! Whoo! That way they can get tons of scraps and plenty of scratch and probably still stay around 16-17% protein. Everyone is doing well. I run NO LIGHTS whatsoever and still getting eggs from a few of them. Last winter I only got White Leghorn eggs all winter. This year I am getting them from multiple birds.....actually no white leghorn girls are laying because of their molting. I got 8 eggs today and got a dozen one other day......Considering the number of younger birds, "poor layers" (Ie cochins) and molting birds I have, that's darn good for midwinter when its 20 degrees out and snow on the ground. Good girls.

 

[speckledhen]

Most of my girls are back to laying again. I think I have at least 19 of the 28 laying now. They started back about mid-December.

I would not recommend feeding super high protein game bird starter (28-30%), but 24% and under is fine. Most all my birds have started on 18% starter/grower combo since I can't find just plain starter around here. Can't find grower, either.

 

[kathyinmo]

I agree. From what I have read and researched (believe me, I have asked many of the old pros), it is simply a "waste" of protein, to go higher than 20% or so. It does not get used, and is simply wasted. As a matter of fact, there is some connection to fatty liver (I think that was it) or fatty organs, or something fatty anyway, caused by too much protein. I like the animal by-products in the feed. I see a difference with it. I have had to use Purina before (when my regular feed was not in), and I just fed hamburger to the birds, for the meat and fat content.

 

[PepsNick]

Quote:
Blue ridge foot hills- you'll see big signs with 'The Orchard' and such. Golf course place. Well I'll catch up here later- with family.

 

[Braclin]

Well the feed I'm using for the Turkeys is 28 % the only reason the Cochins are getting it was because I was told to hatch chicks with the Turks. I think the plan will be to take the Cochins to the outside brooder with the BO chicks. The Turkeys are old enough now to know how to eat and drink.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
Yea, Brandon, I was told to use that for the Buckeyes, when I hatched them. I did use it, and I used it for all the birds I hatched with them. Believe me, they grew and grew and grew! It was Delawares, Orpingtons, and Buckeyes, I believe. That was the first 8 weeks, then I reduced the %, and they all seemed to thrive, just the same. Just sayin', YES, I did notice a difference in fast growth.