Game bird feed is specially formulated for the nutritional needs of game birds like pheasants, quail, and partridge. While it can be fed to chickens, it may not provide the optimal nutrition that chicken feed does. There are a few key considerations when deciding whether game bird feed is a good option for backyard chickens.
Protein Content
Game bird feed tends to have a higher protein content, around 20-28%, compared to traditional 16% protein layer feed. This extra protein is needed to support the rapid growth of wild game birds. For laying hens, too much protein can negatively impact egg production and lead to liver damage over time. Excess dietary protein gets converted to uric acid, placing strain on the hen’s kidneys and liver.
However, higher protein feed may be appropriate in some situations. During peak laying, heat stress, molting, or for younger growing chickens, the extra protein can help support higher energy demands. Just be sure to monitor your chickens on high protein feed and watch for signs of reduced egg production or liver issues.
Fat Content
The increased fat content in game bird feed, around 3-5%, helps meet the energy requirements of wild birds in cold weather. This higher fat level is not necessary for domestic chickens in most climates. Excess fat can lead to obesity and other health problems in chickens.
One exception is during the winter months when temperatures drop substantially below freezing. The extra fat can help keep chickens warm through cold snaps. You may consider switching to a higher fat game bird or waterfowl feed temporarily until spring returns.
Grain Content
Game bird feed contains a mix of grains like corn, wheat, milo, and sometimes oats or barley. The ratio of grains tends to be higher in carbohydrates compared to standard chicken feed. This provides quick energy for game birds. Laying hens have different nutritional requirements, needing feed with adequate protein for egg production rather than just high carbohydrate levels.
If feeding a game bird ration long term, be sure to supplement with additional protein sources like mealworms or legumes. The excess grains can also lead to obesity in backyard chickens if they are not getting enough exercise. A lack of protein combined with high energy from carbohydrates is not ideal for laying hens.
Vitamins and Minerals
Game bird feed is supplemented with vitamins and minerals suited for wild game birds. While chicken feed and game bird feed both contain necessary vitamins and minerals, the ideal ratios differ based on the bird’s needs. Game bird feed may not provide adequate calcium and phosphorus for egg shell strength. And it likely has higher mineral levels tailored for fast growth in game birds.
Over time, a vitamin and mineral imbalance could lead to health issues in backyard chickens. Look for a game bird feed formulated specifically for upland birds or with a dual purpose for game birds and poultry for a better balance.
Medication
Some game bird feeds contain medications to prevent disease in wild flocks. This includes anticoccidials like amprolium to protect against coccidiosis. While domestic chickens can safely ingest some of these medications, build up of anticoccidials can lead to drug resistant coccidia strains over time.
If you want to rotate game bird feed periodically, look for a formula without added medications to avoid excessive exposure. Never provide medicated chicken feed meant for growth promotion to laying hens as it can impact egg quality and liver health.
Cost
Game bird feed is more expensive per pound than standard chicken feed. The specialized formulation and ingredients come at a higher price. This may not be the most cost effective long term food source for backyard chickens. Consider it as a periodic supplement or winter ration rather than the staple diet.
Palatability
The mix of grains and seeds in game bird feed is designed to be attractive to wild birds. Backyard chickens seem to enjoy the taste and variety as an occasional treat. Keep in mind that abrupt diet changes can disrupt normal gut bacteria leading to diarrhea. Transition gradually by mixing small amounts of new feed with the existing ration.
Conclusion
Game bird feed can add diversity to the diet and be fed periodically to backyard chickens. But it may not be balanced for the long term nutritional needs of laying hens. Use it as a supplemental feed or temporary cold weather ration, not a complete replacement for standard chicken feed. Look for game bird mixes formulated specifically for poultry or upland game birds and monitor your flock for signs of malnutrition.
When to Use Game Bird Feed for Chickens
Here are some examples of when game bird feed can be a good option for backyard chickens:
Cold weather
The higher fat and protein content can help chickens stay warm and meet energy needs in freezing temperatures.
Growing pullets
The extra protein supports development of young, growing chickens before they start laying.
Molting
Game bird feed provides extra nutrition during the energy intensive annual molt.
Supplement
Adding small amounts of game bird feed gives variety and supplemental nutrition.
Medication alternative
Game bird feed without medications can be used periodically to avoid build up of anticoccidials in the flock.
Short term change
Game bird feed offers diversity when chickens seem bored with their regular ration.
Benefits of Game Bird Feed for Chickens
Here are some of the benefits that game bird feed can offer backyard chickens:
- Higher protein supports growth and egg production
- Increased fat provides more energy and warmth in winter
- Carbohydrates from grains supply quick energy
- Additional B vitamins for stress periods like molting
- Promotes foraging behaviors and environmental enrichment
- More variety and novel flavors for picky eaters
- Medications can help prevent disease in some situations
Downsides of Game Bird Feed for Chickens
Some potential downsides of using game bird feed include:
- Excess protein strains the liver if fed long term
- Too much fat leads to weight gain and obesity
- May not provide balanced nutrition including proper calcium to phosphorus ratios
- High carbohydrates can cause loose droppings
- Medications can build up and lead to drug resistant pathogens
- More expensive per pound than standard chicken feed
Tips for Feeding Game Bird Feed to Chickens
Here are some tips to follow when supplementing chickens’ diets with game bird feed:
- Gradually transition over a week by mixing with regular feed to avoid digestive upset
- Select game bird feed formulated specifically for poultry or upland gamebirds
- Avoid types with growth promoting medications
- Feed higher protein formulas primarily to younger growing chickens
- Use high fat blends only temporarily in cold weather
- Supplement with calcium sources if used long term
- Provide insoluble grit to help birds grind and digest grains
- Monitor chickens’ weight and egg laying ability for malnutrition signs
- Offer as a treat or periodic substitute rather than the sole ration
Example Feed Rations Using Game Bird Feed
Here are some example combinations of game bird feed and standard chicken feed that can work well:
Winter layers ration
Game bird feed | 25% |
Layer feed | 75% |
Mix a high fat game bird blend with layer feed to help meet energy needs in cold weather. Provide free choice oyster shell for calcium.
Growing pullets ration
Game bird starter feed | 50% |
Pullet grower feed | 50% |
Use a 50/50 ratio to boost protein for growing chicks and pullets before maturity. Ensure calcium source available free choice.
Molting ration
Game bird feed | 25% |
Layer feed | 50% |
Cracked corn | 25% |
Substitute 1/4 of the layer feed with a game bird blend for extra protein and calories during the molt. The corn provides additional energy.
Supplemental treats
Offer free choice game bird feed in a separate treat dispenser 2-3 times per week for added enrichment. Limit to 1-2 ounces per hen daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is game bird feed better than chicken feed?
Game bird feed is not necessarily better than formulated chicken feed. While it provides higher protein and fat, game bird feeds are not balanced specifically for the nutritional requirements of domestic chickens. They lack the right ratios of protein to calcium for egg production. Chicken feed is designed to meet the needs of poultry for optimal health and performance.
Can I feed my chickens only game bird feed?
It is not recommended to feed game bird feed as the complete diet for chickens long term. While chickens seem to enjoy the taste, game bird feeds do not have the right nutritional balance to support laying hens. You can use it as a supplemental feed or temporary ration, but standard chicken feed should make up the bulk of their diet.
Do chickens prefer game bird or chicken feed?
Chickens enjoy the novelty and taste of game bird feed as an occasional treat. The mixture of seeds, grains, and pellets provides enrichment. But given continuous access, chickens seem to prefer traditional chicken feed tailored to their nutritional requirements. Over time, they may selectively eat only the tastiest morsels from a game bird mix and miss key nutrients.
Is it okay to switch between game bird and chicken feed?
It is fine to switch between game bird and chicken feed as long as you transition gradually. Abrupt feed changes can disrupt the digestive system. Mix the new feed in slowly over 5-7 days. This gives the gut microbiome time to adapt. Limit high protein game bird feed periods to 4-6 weeks before switching back to avoid liver overload.
What about feeding duck or turkey feed?
Duck and turkey feeds are also not perfectly balanced for laying chickens but can work well as supplemental feeds. Like game bird feed, they have higher protein levels more suited to meat birds. Use them sparingly and monitor your flock when offering these alternative feeds. Never feed medicated turkey or other poultry feeds meant for growth promotion.
Comparison of Chicken and Game Bird Feed Nutrition
Here is a nutritional comparison between typical chicken layer feed and game bird maintenance feed:
Nutrient | Chicken Feed | Game Bird Feed |
---|---|---|
Protein | 16-18% | 20-28% |
Fat | 3-5% | 5-7% |
Fiber | 3-4% | 2.5-4% |
Calcium | 3.5-4.5% | 1.5-3% |
Phosphorus | 0.5-0.8% | 0.5-1% |
Salt | 0.3-0.5% | 0.3-0.5% |
As you can see, game bird feed contains more protein and fat with lower calcium levels. These differences from standard chicken feed nutrition profiles highlight why game bird feed may not be suitable as the sole long term ration for domestic laying chickens.
Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies in Chickens
Here are some signs of malnutrition in chickens that may indicate deficiencies from feeding an imbalanced ration like game bird feed:
- Decreased egg production
- Eggs with thin or soft shells
- Slower growth in chicks
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Feather picking
- Eating dirt or rocks
- Twisted or bowed legs
- Pale combs and wattles
- Diarrhea
- Neurological issues like tremors or paralysis
Pay close attention to your chickens when feeding game bird or other alternative feeds. Remove or reduce the amount given if any of these deficiency signs appear.
Conclusion
Game bird feed can add beneficial variety to the backyard chicken diet in moderation. Use it strategically as a supplemental feed, treat, or temporary cold weather ration. But game bird feed lacks the calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins essential for laying hens in the right proportions. Monitor your flock closely for any malnutrition signs when substituting standard chicken feed with game bird feed. And be sure to transition gradually between feed types to allow chickens’ digestive systems to adjust.