Struggling to Find Reasonably Priced Feed?

[Nabiki]

I’ll be curious about your next try with this. I hope you post updates to your article!

I will! It's going to be a few weeks before I order more larvae. Busy with the move right now.

 

[igorsMistress]

I looked online at my usual feed store. They never seem to have my preference these days and the alternative is at least half again as much. For that price I can auto ship with Chewy and get it delivered.

 

[Nabiki]

Curious, how well do they feed to quail? For example how much nutrition does say 20 provide to one quail in a day. If they're not high in fat, I wonder how many you would need to effectively supplement the lack of extra protein and buy a regular layer feed

Your adults will do just fine on a regular layer feed (around 16-20% protein). I found this, hope it helps.

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

Your adults will do just fine on a regular layer feed (around 16-20% protein). I found this, hope it helps.
View attachment 3149779

I have used a 16% layer feed for the last month or two as it was all I could get! Honestly I am not sure I've seen much of a difference between using that and using the 22% protein layer feed I was previously recommended. Everyone always goes on about how much higher protein Quail need on this forum it makes me almost panic

 

[Nabiki]

I have used a 16% layer feed for the last month or two as it was all I could get! Honestly I am not sure I've seen much of a difference between using that and using the 22% protein layer feed I was previously recommended. Everyone always goes on about how much higher protein Quail need on this forum it makes me almost panic

Your chicks and young birds need the high protein. The adults don't.

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

Your chicks and young birds need the high protein. The adults don't.

Yes, although I didn't notice much difference when I tried a 22% protein vs a 28% gamebird protein on our last chicks. Both groups grew at the same rate and although I didn't take the time to weigh them I am not sure I could see a difference.

 

[Nabiki]

Yes, although I didn't notice much difference when I tried a 22% protein vs a 28% gamebird protein on our last chicks. Both groups grew at the same rate and although I didn't take the time to weigh them I am not sure I could see a difference.

I've fed my chicks as low as 22% feed, but I notice a difference in how fast they grow on 28% vs. 22%. They also seem to have more energy and learn to fly a bit faster. Keep in mind that I haven't actually done a test to see how accurate this is, so I may not be right.

Edit: There are a lot of factors that go into growth and hardiness. Genetics, environment, and feed are all parts of it.

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

I've fed my chicks as low as 22% feed, but I notice a difference in how fast they grow on 28% vs. 22%. They also seem to have more energy and learn to fly a bit faster. Keep in mind that I haven't actually done a test to see how accurate this is, so I may not be right.

Edit: There are a lot of factors that go into growth and hardiness. Genetics, environment, and feed are all parts of it.

I do believe there should be a noticeable difference between the two. However, I do feel there is a lack of solid data on quail, I really wish I could spare the time to help even on a smaller scale.

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

Managed to source some feed! From Burnhills.

+£7.50 for each bag to be delivered worked out to be the cheapest I could find. It's next day delivery too which is nice I suppose lol. They wanted another £7 to deliver a 4kg bag of quail grit/oystershell too so decided not to buy it.

I realise I'm complaining about such a small amount of feed compared to what many people have to buy, so sorry!

 

[Perris]

Mealworms are very high in fat, so they should be considered a treat. You don't want to make those a regular part of quail feed.

this article would suggest that this is a modern myth, and that mealworms are fine as part of poultry feed https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2020.10.001
I don't know about quail feed.

You might also want to look at pp.74-76 comparing mealworms with beef
https://www.fao.org/3/i3253e/i3253e.pdf