sorry joel but growers pellets are higher in protein than layers mash or pellets. nice to have a little debate with you. a determined young man you are.
have the pup on a slip when mature enough and position yourself to slip on any bolters.you can forget the slip in time with practise the dog will work out what is required of it.
maize is low in protein but high in fat . to feed a whole maize diet is too much for a young bird. i give it to adult birds sparingly over winter to put a bit of fat on to help with the cold weather. i dont think the problem with the bird is diet.could be a number of things but unfortunatly im not a vet.
try it what suits one man may not suit another. everyone has there own methods, the only thing i use a priest on are trout. forgot to add i prefer to chin them each to their own.
watched a old video many years ago gate netting hares glen walters. a 1st cross collie /grey featured on the video if i remember correctly. a man who knew the game.