Skinney little things.

[twentynine]

I have a group of mixed chickens. Light Brahma, production reds, black sex link, a sicilian cockeral, a few that defy description.

The one thing I have noticed when handling them, is they ain't got no meat on their bones. You can feel the keel bone plain as day. Now I understand that they are not going to be cornish Xs or anything like that, but I did expect a little more meat under the fluff.

Feed: I have been feeding Purina Start and Grow non medicated, since day old. Purina makes a good product but I think it needs more than 18% protien. I have been supplimenting with what I consider high protien snacks. Old out of date lunch meat and sausage, along with live minnows. They also get a little bit of stale leftover white bread, leftover veggies and stuff like that.

Choices: I can get feed from Tractor Supply, 20 or 24%, will it make a big enough difference to justify the added expence. 24% protien Dumor cost roughly 50% more than what I am feeding now. In this area we have no broiler industry to speek of, so broiler ration, turkey starter stuff like that isn't available.

 

[Judy]

There was a great thread here recently about the various brands and types of feed. Many of those people do not like TSC feeds. Here it is:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=202961

I don't think they should need 24%. Hard to say whether your birds are underweight or not, from your description.

You might check to see if there are farmer's supply stores or feed stores around that you haven't discovered. There must be some farming/livestock industry in the area or TSC wouldn't have moved in. Around here there is a farm supply store in nearly every little town.

 

[gritsar]

Regarding the brahma only, since that's the only breed I have experience with.
I used to feel my girls were underweight too, from about 6 months until they reached 14 months. Now they are all filled out nicely. It really does take them longer to mature.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

If you can get it, Purina SunFresh Flock Raiser. 20%. I use it for all my birds (chickens, guineas, quail) from egg to pot!