Many figures are given for different protein percentages for different stages of growth. If you have a few chickens that can forage for insects (and get some!), the percentage points are not so critical. The birds will balance out their needs as they forage. But if you're keeping dozens, hundreds or thousands of birds, you will of course want to consult one of the nutrition experts, such as those listed in the Online Experts section.
The feeding section in The Family Poultry Flock says: "From six to 14 weeks, the ration should contain 17 percent protein. From 15 to 20 weeks, 14 percent protein is sufficient." However, this was several years ago, when breeds were less growth-oriented. Today's breeds may need higher amounts. Nutreena starter mix is 20% protein. And commercial layer pellets are 16%. (Layer pellets have too much calcium for any except chickens producing several eggs a week.) Others have Starter feed at 20% protein, Grower and Peak phase at 17%, and tapering off from there.
Roosters need a very high amount of protein, if they're servicing a number of hens every day. About 20% is considered optimum in one source I read.
If you have a small flock, you will probably want to adjust your protein somewhere between the above ranges. Higher rather than lower might be a good philosophy. Extra protein will be used for energy instead of building tissues, so it won't hurt. It just might make the birds too fat. If they get too fat, they won't lay well. Feel between the legs for the lump of fat that forms there if they're too fat. Many farmers report that they use only layers pellets once their birds start to lay, so this formula might be good to follow.
Many figures are given for different protein percentages for different stages of growth. If you have a few chickens that can forage for insects (and get some!), the percentage points are not so critical. The birds will balance out their needs as they forage. But if you're keeping dozens, hundreds or thousands of birds, you will of course want to consult one of the nutrition experts, such as those listed in the Online Experts section.
The feeding section in The Family Poultry Flock says: "From six to 14 weeks, the ration should contain 17 percent protein. From 15 to 20 weeks, 14 percent protein is sufficient." However, this was several years ago, when breeds were less growth-oriented. Today's breeds may need higher amounts. Nutreena starter mix is 20% protein. And commercial layer pellets are 16%. (Layer pellets have too much calcium for any except chickens producing several eggs a week.) Others have Starter feed at 20% protein, Grower and Peak phase at 17%, and tapering off from there.
Roosters need a very high amount of protein, if they're servicing a number of hens every day. About 20% is considered optimum in one source I read.
If you have a small flock, you will probably want to adjust your protein somewhere between the above ranges. Higher rather than lower might be a good philosophy. Extra protein will be used for energy instead of building tissues, so it won't hurt. It just might make the birds too fat. If they get too fat, they won't lay well. Feel between the legs for the lump of fat that forms there if they're too fat. Many farmers report that they use only layers pellets once their birds start to lay, so this formula might be good to follow.
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