scottischicken
Chirping
- Oct 26, 2024
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Why do gamebirds need higher protein in their feed unlike regular chickens?
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Turkey, pheasant, quail, guinea keet, etcWhat do you mean by gamebirds? Because gamebirds and gamefowl are two different things.
Well, it depends on the individual species and season.Turkey, pheasant, quail, guinea keet, etc
Tell me more about chickens (layers) needing 18-20 % protein.Well, it depends on the individual species and season.
Chickens, actually do better with 18-20% protein, not too much lower than numbers recommended for gamebirds, people feed 16% since that's the lowest found percentage that hens will live ( not thrive) and lay. I find it an antiquated percentage and feed 20%.
Another thing is domestication.
Gambebirds don't have eons of domestication in their lineage; they're always on the go, on guard, hiding, and burning energy. They need more in their diet.
Chickens, at less what you and I have in our yards are fat and lazy in comparison.
They mosey around, eat a little, sunbathe, eat some more, preen. They don't need the constant energy. They've also been bred to need less through the centuries.
And lastly, they are completely different animals.
Are coturnix quail considered game birds even though they are domesticated more than parrots?All of the above! I will add that Gamebirds need to have the ability to "Flush" hard and fast when danger comes lurking, the mitochondria in the tissues need to deliver this energy to the wings and breast muscles for rapid contractions in a very quick manner. High protein diets develop these nerves, tissues and dense muscle mass. Lower protein diets would result in weaker birds.
Are coturnix quail considered game birds because they have been domesticated like chickens?@nuthatched just about summed your question up, so the only thing I'll add is, gamebirds are from the the 'wilds', they haven't been domesticated (kept in captivity) for as long as chickens.
Therefore, they have a different metabolism (usually higher) than chickens. In the wild, they consume plant, animal and insect proteins that are usually around 28 to 30% or higher.
If given lower % feed they will survive but will not thrive. I go for the 'middle of the road' as far as protein (20% vs 30%)for my pheasants and quail, a 24% protein feed. My feed also consists of many different seeds, nuts, fruits....a custom milled feed.
I am unaware of research that says roosters need less protein. Many feed an all flock feed or grower feed for higher protein and less calcium to their chickens. Oyster shells or another calcium source are fed on the side for laying hens.Tell me more about chickens (layers) needing 18-20 % protein.
From what I’ve read Roosters need substantially less. I’m having a hard time balancing the flock feed needs since I obtained roosters. (Less calcium less protein)
I need help!