Game Bird Feed Differences

[mark]

I get my Game Bird Feed from a local feed store. I have noticed that the ingredient tag has the same ingredients and percentages for both the Starter and Finisher. The only difference I saw was the protein percentage. So, with that being the case whats the use in buying both if the contents are same, why not just stick with the Starter.

Mark 

[NH/Pete]

The protein

[mark]

That is what I posted that the protein was the only difference, but I dont see any harm in just keeping them on Starter instead of switching them over to Finisher.

Mark

[Reeves]

High protein at the wrong times can/will cause a host of problems.

[slider]

If you are going to raise your birds for pets and plan on keeping them for a long period of time, then I would say to put them on a finisher and follow the general rules for keeping pets. If you are raising birds for short term food consumption then i would not think that it would hurt anything to keep them on the starter. I do.

[jbird]

High protein at the wrong times can/will cause a host of problems.

I agree with that but could you elaborate on how much more or less protein is needed, and when it would benefit the birds the most.  ( sick, could weather, etc )

[jbird]

Could anyone help me  with the above post.  As I was serious about the question. There has been times I have added extra protein and times I maybe should have as I really don't know the correct way to administer the protein

[slider]

Hatch Day -4weeks-------gamebird starter  28 to 31%
4 weeks - 16 weeks------finisher 22 to 24%
16 weeks-adult breeder age---maintenance 15%
1 month before breeding starts---gamebird breeder 20 to 22%
end of breeding season till next breeder season---maintenance 15%
The corturnix will be different ....because they start laying at 6 to 8 weeks so adjust accordingly.Or if you are going to breed them just go from starter to breeder...and some people just keep them on a real high protein because of the high egg production but you will have to add some calcium. That is as close as I can get.Alot of the exotic species will be different...

[jbird]

Thanks Slider, I really appreciate the reply.  The reason that I asked this question, is there are times I add extra protein to my gamebird feed and was wondering if it would have an ell affect on them. As I didn't state my first quote very clear.  Thanks again Slider