That Quail Place Forum

Production and Business => Poultry Production => Topic started by: jesust on January 08, 2009, 03:07:43 PM

Title: Layer Feed
Post by: jesust on January 08, 2009, 03:07:43 PM

I a question concerning layer feed for bobwhite quail.  I have 2 males and 4 females that I want to use for egg production.  I was told at the feed store that I can use gamebird grower.  Is this ok for egg producing or should I go with a different type of feed?

This is what they sold me:

Nutrena Naturewise Turkey and Gamebird Grower

Crude Protein.............Min. 22.0%
Lysine.........................Min. 0.78%
Methionine..................Min. 0.38%
Crude Fat....................Min. 2.8%
Crude Fiber.................Max. 5.5%
Calcium.........Min. 1.0% Max 1.1%
Phosphorus..................Min. 0.7%
Salt...............Min. 0.15% Max. 0.4%
Sodium..........Min. 0.15% Max 0.3%

Is this sufficient or would I be better off with a poultry layer?  Any help is greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Layer Feed
Post by: slider on January 08, 2009, 03:55:33 PM

Use a Gamebird Breeder for Bobwhites. Purina is a good one .  Are you going to start your laying season early by using lights?

Title: Re: Layer Feed
Post by: wildergamebirds on January 08, 2009, 04:38:19 PM

  Personally, I prefer to use grower, finisher, and provide free choice calcium.  I am not completely sold on oyster shells as the only supplement, but suppose it's OK.  Layer mixes contain more calcium than males need, which can cause problems.  If you plan to sell, butcher, or release your breeding males every year, Excessive calcium shouldn't be a problem. 

  A search here, should find more specifics, and also on other nutritional subjects.  As slider said, gamebird feeds are better for game birds, with Turkey feeds being better than chicken, or cattle feeds.

Title: Re: Layer Feed
Post by: jesust on January 08, 2009, 10:20:52 PM

Quote from: slider on January 08, 2009, 03:55:33 PM

Use a Gamebird Breeder for Bobwhites. Purina is a good one .  Are you going to start your laying season early by using lights?

I am going to try.  I plan on putting them on 17 hour days.

Title: Re: Layer Feed
Post by: jchiar on January 09, 2009, 04:13:13 AM

Increase the light gradually

Title: Re: Layer Feed
Post by: Vrex on January 09, 2009, 01:59:53 PM

I am in the same process now, what is a good schedule for the lighting.

Mike

Title: Re: Layer Feed
Post by: wildergamebirds on January 09, 2009, 03:06:59 PM

  I imagine jchiar, and others know best, but I start by adding 30 minutes, or an hour in the morning, and evening.  Then increase each by 30 minutes on each end, every 3 days, or so.

Title: Re: Layer Feed
Post by: mobe_45 on January 10, 2009, 10:01:03 PM

Quote from: jesust on January 08, 2009, 03:07:43 PM

I a question concerning layer feed for bobwhite quail.  I have 2 males and 4 females that I want to use for egg production.  I was told at the feed store that I can use gamebird grower.  Is this ok for egg producing or should I go with a different type of feed?

This is what they sold me:

Nutrena Naturewise Turkey and Gamebird Grower

Crude Protein.............Min. 22.0%
Lysine.........................Min. 0.78%
Methionine..................Min. 0.38%
Crude Fat....................Min. 2.8%
Crude Fiber.................Max. 5.5%
Calcium.........Min. 1.0% Max 1.1%
Phosphorus..................Min. 0.7%
Salt...............Min. 0.15% Max. 0.4%
Sodium..........Min. 0.15% Max 0.3%

Is this sufficient or would I be better off with a poultry layer?  Any help is greatly appreciated.

I tried this for my coturnix and they layed soft shells/ no shells. They needed more calcium.