2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Sky]

I understand that one of the causes of feather pecking in chickens could be a lack of protein in their diet. What is the best food to give which contains protein. Mine have plenty of layers mash and greens etc but I am not sure what a good souce of protein would be which I am able to feed to my girls.

Edited May 9, 2010 by Guest

[quickcluck]

Hi Sky,

 

You can give them meal worms, fish, (I give mine sardines) some people give organic cat food..... that any help?

[Lewis]

I give mine rinsed Tuna when they need a protein boost, after a moult etc

[Sky]

Thanks very much, I will give tuna a try as I have some here at the moment and they have been having some meal worms.

[sandyhas3chucks]

don't forget NOT in brine!!!

[Cinnamon]

The have to be wet,live meal worms for them to be a source of protein - I believe they dry ones are not a good source at all.

I seem to remember that some high protein rabbit/guinea foods can be fed to,as a floor scatter.

I have also given mine the odd bit of cat food (actually,they mugged the cat & pinched it,if I am honest )

[sandyhas3chucks]

The have to be wet,live meal worms for them to be a source of protein - I believe they dry ones are not a good source at all.

)

this seems to be another one of thise debatable issues, as various other info says what a good source they are life is never that straight forward is it?

[Redwing]

Growers pellets are higher in protein as are Breeders pellets, chick crumb, quail pellets and many pigeon foods

 

A small amount of this mixed with the layers pellets would help

[Sky]

Oh dear now I am confused - how about sunflower seeds or yogurt or egg or soaked and boiled soy beans??? These are also things which have been suggested to me? At the moment, mine are all rummaging through a spade full of manure which contains lots and lots of wiggly worms!!! Hopefully these are good?

[chickinboy]

Claret recommended using Alfalfa extract to me. I just mix it in with porridge or normal food. Makes their yolks turn that deep orange too. Seems to be helping with mine so far.

 

Got mine here: http://www.cotswoldchickens.com/alfalfa-extract-373-p.asp

 

Pretty expensive stuff, but you need to make it up at about 3% (I think) of their food. I've had mine about a month and I've barely made a dent in the bucket.

[Egluntyne]

Sunflower seeds are fatty, so too many aren't a good idea.

[eggregiousness]

don't forget NOT in brine!!!

 

Are any of the tinned sardines OK or do they have to be fresh?

[Plum]

I'd give them a supplement like Lifeguard, Poultry Spice or poultry tonic as well.

[Griffin]

Mine love tinned chickpeas I rinse them first though.