What do i feed SHOW BIRDS!!

[bantam_n00b]

I've been looking around and i havent really found any help. I've heard that gamebird feed is good 20% protein and up but i've also heard layer mash/crumbles/pellets work, then there are a mixture of gamebird feed and other seeds and grains. Im confused and new to this, i want to show in the future and just need to know what i should feed them because i heard corn is not good for show birds but isnt corn found in most gamebird feed? SO im confused. Any help on what to feed birds that i want to show. Any help would be really appreciated. I have oeg bantams if that helps.

 

[InsaneBreeder]

How about all-purpose feed or layer pellets?

 

[bantam_n00b]

Quote:
Do you show? If so what do you feed them? I was thinking about that too but i heard that a mixture of food is better because they get different vitamins and what not from a mixture of feed.

 

[Iluvmypeeps]

Give this link a try, see if it helps.

http://www.birdhealth.com.au/bird/chick-fowl/showpoultry.html

I hope it answers some questions!

 

[InsaneBreeder]

Quote:
Do you show? If so what do you feed them? I was thinking about that too but i heard that a mixture of food is better because they get different vitamins and what not from a mixture of feed.

I do not show. I am just supposing that an average chicken is, in fact, a chicken, and that a show bird is, in fact, also a chicken, and so...I am supposing that both being the same species with the same digestive system, they would more or less be capable of consuming the same feed.

 

[bantam_n00b]

Quote:
Do you show? If so what do you feed them? I was thinking about that too but i heard that a mixture of food is better because they get different vitamins and what not from a mixture of feed.

I do not show. I am just supposing that an average chicken is, in fact, a chicken, and that a show bird is, in fact, also a chicken, and so...I am supposing that both being the same species with the same digestive system, they would more or less be capable of consuming the same feed.

Yes i know they are both chickens, but there is a difference from show quality birds and hatchery birds. You need to maintain show quality birds in a certain way hence the words, show birds.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I show Jersey giants and standard cochins and this fall dark brahmas I feed my birds the usual layer that I feed all the others. But I buy directly from the mill so my feed is fresh. It does contain corn and I do not have any problems. My layer is 17% protein I start them on unmedicated chick starter at 20%. A few months before a show I start to give them additional protein I have only been showing this past year but all my birds took best of breed and best variety. My granddaughters silkies that we raised here also took firsts in the juniors and reserve best of breed.(he was only a cockerel too young to beat the older rooster, not as filled out) But just wait until next year.lol I have heard of people feeding mannapro a few weeks before a show but I was turned off that when I heard they poop orange. You have to find your ideal feed for the breed yu are showing. My giants and cochins need to be bulky where as bantams would not need to put on any extra weight. Best is to talk to some of the show people who are showing the same birds as you most people will tell you what they use. Hope this helps
BTW: my birds are show birds but they live a normal life. they freerange in a large enclosed area. I do know people who keep their birds in small cages and bathe them weekly. I dont agree with this but everyone to their own tastes.lol

 

[bantam_n00b]

Thanks, i'm trying to contact some of the breeders hopefully they'll respond and help me out a little bit. Does anyone know of any oeg bantam breeders or showers that i can contact?

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Do you show? If so what do you feed them? I was thinking about that too but i heard that a mixture of food is better because they get different vitamins and what not from a mixture of feed.

I do not show. I am just supposing that an average chicken is, in fact, a chicken, and that a show bird is, in fact, also a chicken, and so...I am supposing that both being the same species with the same digestive system, they would more or less be capable of consuming the same feed.

Just like there is a big difference between Hatchery Birds and Exhibition Birds, there is a difference between standard chicken feed and a good show feed...


Chris

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

About a month or so before a big show, we'll feed ours a little bit of kitty food in with their regular food, along with a handful of black oil sunflower seeds.