Using layers on table birds % protein

[Chasingmytail]

Ive got a small flock of layers to raise for our own use on organic system. Ive got a lot of layer pellets but the issue is the % protein - you need 19% over 17/18% , I don't want to be forking out more for feed and have to pay delivery charge which makes it costly. Can I feed organic layers and increase the protein with an additional supplement feed? Any ideas?

 

[Pasty]

Up the soya content?

 

[Blaithin]

Sorry I’m a bit confused... you have layer pellets but they aren’t high enough protein for layers?

I give my girls wheat (12-14% protein usually), mixed with layer crumble which is 17% I believe. Plus supplementing whatever they find while ranging. They lay fine. Especially since I don’t need to push them to up production for sales. They’re just for my own use.

During moulting I will up their protein with meat, eggs, meal worms, cat food, and BOSS.

The main protein increasers are going to be soy meal and canola meal and both are probably hard to find organic.

I guess I just don’t see the point of sourcing and shipping in additional feed at additional costs to increase the protein. They’ll produce just fine at 17-18% for a family’s personal use.

 

[Netherfield]

Sorry I’m a bit confused... you have layer pellets but they aren’t high enough protein for layers?

I give my girls wheat (12-14% protein usually), mixed with layer crumble which is 17% I believe. Plus supplementing whatever they find while ranging. They lay fine. Especially since I don’t need to push them to up production for sales. They’re just for my own use.

During moulting I will up their protein with meat, eggs, meal worms, cat food, and BOSS.

The main protein increasers are going to be soy meal and canola meal and both are probably hard to find organic.

I guess I just don’t see the point of sourcing and shipping in additional feed at additional costs to increase the protein. They’ll produce just fine at 17-18% for a family’s personal use.

I think @Chasingmytail is looking to fatten the birds for eating rather than laying them, which dependant on breed could still be poor plan.