LAST week, in my letter “Understanding livefood”, I emphasised the importance of not over-feeding protein. The suggested levels of protein for baby birds vary. Some recommend 40-50 per cent, others 25-30 per cent. This is interesting, as an average-sized egg contains about 12.65 per cent of protein. A live mealworm contains 20 per cent; a dried one 50 per cent of its body content. Most chicken breeders reckon on about 22 per cent of food intake. High protein levels result in weight gain – they are, in short, for birds that are for the table.
By contrast, let’s have a look at song thrushes!
