Favorite layer feeds

[Hogwarts322]

Hi All. Getting ready to switch my small flock of 4 to layer feed. I’ve heard great things about Green Mountain Organics layer pellets, and Small Pet Select non GMO soy free, corn free layer feed.
has anyone tried either of these and been happy? Any other recommendations would be great. Thanks!

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

Actually, if they are like most other layer feeds, they probably only have a 16% protein content. What I feed, and what most others feed, is a 'all flock' or 'flock raiser,' (18-22% protein) with free choice oyster shell. 16% protein is the bare minimum, and protein % like 20 is much better for the birds, and great for they're feathers. I feed a 'flock raiser' with a 20%protein level from day one, with a small bit of scratch mixed in. Honestly, they don't need the scratch, and it's kind if like junk food for them, but they seem to like it and I figured its more appealing then just a brown wet mash, because I also make a 'mash' out of the feed, by mixing it with some water.

Does it matter to you if it is organinic and non-GMO?

 

[JustBabyMargo]

Purina brand!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I feed Kalmbach All Flock 20% with free choice oyster/egg shell and grit on the side, that way when I add new littles I don't have to switch feed.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

Purina brand!

Yes, that's the brand I feed. Because- 1. Nutrena's bag looks visually smaller. 2. Purina's comes in a crumble (my store only gets the Nutrena pellets) 3. It was less $$ and I like it better than Nutrena's. (As I have already said.)

@U_Stormcrow ? I think your online right now.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Plugged in - not on. Was finishing a new floor pan for the outside shower, then culling one of my runts and posting pictures for a first timer.

Will come back to this after I shower (no, the pan isn't dry yet, going to be a production).

Yes, that's the brand I feed. Because- 1. Nutrena's bag looks visually smaller. 2. Purina's comes in a crumble (my store only gets the Nutrena pellets) 3. It was less $$ and I like it better than Nutrena's. (As I have already said.)

@U_Stormcrow ? I think your online right now.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

OK, my first questions are "Why Organic/nonGMO/Soy Free"?

Not that I necessarily have anything against those labels, but they dramatically increase your price, while simultaneously making it much harder to get a nutritionally complete feed.

Kalmback is very popular, they are whole grain feeds (plus a vitamin powder the birds have to eat, or the diet suffers!), and they have a number of Organic, non-GMO, and/or no Soy options. Many new owners feed it, then come here when their birds start showing nutritional issues (or simple failure to thrive) - most of the experienced users of the feed serve it wet, sprouted, or fermented - not only to ensure that all the flock actually eats the critical powder, but because Kalmback (like all whole grain feeds) suffers a problem inherent in the design. The top chickens in the pecking order will pick out the seeds they like, leaving others the less desired seeds.

Purina's offerings aren't Organic, though they do have some non-GMO, and are extremely popular with the "All Flock/Flock Raiser" plus free choice oyster shell group - which is the easiest, reasonable expense way of ensuring your whole flock gets optimum off the shelf nutrition. Buy in bulk, 50# bag.

Nutrena Naturewise Flock Raiser is used interchangeably with Purina's All Flock in BYC shorthand. Its "All Natural", whatever that means (not what you think), not Organic. Again, free choice oyster shell on the side. Like Purina, you will find the Nutrena readily stocked by most big farm stores, many mom and pops, maybe some pet stores as well. Nutrena *looks* cheaper, lower price per bag - but its a 40# bag, not a 50# - so price/lb is likely higher.

I've used both, without issue. I don't feed either, now - my flock is far too large to make it cost effective.

All the feeds I linked are 20% protein, moderate amounts of fat, fiber, and (when compared to layer feeds) relatively low amounts of calcium. They will fit the bill for all your birds, of all ages, and both sexes. That's the quick summary.

If you want to get really deep into the weeds, I can compare the feeds and tell you which one I now believe is best (generally) and why. and if I can find nutrition info for the brands you are considering, will evaluate those too. But I'm not going to volunteer that time (and a longer post) trying to summarize why.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Hi All. Getting ready to switch my small flock of 4 to layer feed. I’ve heard great things about Green Mountain Organics layer pellets, and Small Pet Select non GMO soy free, corn free layer feed.
has anyone tried either of these and been happy? Any other recommendations would be great. Thanks!

Organic or non-GMO, Look for flax in ingredients.
It adds Omega 3 ALA to the eggs, it's good for you.
I feed a Starter Grower feed 18% Protein for at least 18 weeks till 1 of each breed is laying, then switch to a Layers feed with Flax, 16 to 18% Protein.
If you abide by the 10% rule for treats, 16% is acceptable.
Myself I like and feed both Nutrina and Purina feeds.
I'm currently feeding my 16 months old hens a Layers feed with Flax and my 17 weeks old Pullets a Start & Grow feed 18%.
My 4 Barred Rocks and 4 Rhode Island Reds Pullets have not started to lay yet, but have had Oyster Shells available separately since 15 weeks old.

A couple of my RIRs look close to laying, especially the Pullet on the right.
None of the BRs look ready. GC

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

OK, my first questions are "Why Organic/nonGMO/Soy Free"?

Not that I necessarily have anything against those labels, but they dramatically increase your price, while simultaneously making it much harder to get a nutritionally complete feed.

Kalmback is very popular, they are whole grain feeds (plus a vitamin powder the birds have to eat, or the diet suffers!), and they have a number of Organic, non-GMO, and/or no Soy options. Many new owners feed it, then come here when their birds start showing nutritional issues (or simple failure to thrive) - most of the experienced users of the feed serve it wet, sprouted, or fermented - not only to ensure that all the flock actually eats the critical powder, but because Kalmback (like all whole grain feeds) suffers a problem inherent in the design. The top chickens in the pecking order will pick out the seeds they like, leaving others the less desired seeds.

Purina's offerings aren't Organic, though they do have some non-GMO, and are extremely popular with the "All Flock/Flock Raiser" plus free choice oyster shell group - which is the easiest, reasonable expense way of ensuring your whole flock gets optimum off the shelf nutrition. Buy in bulk, 50# bag.

Nutrena Naturewise Flock Raiser is used interchangeably with Purina's All Flock in BYC shorthand. Its "All Natural", whatever that means (not what you think), not Organic. Again, free choice oyster shell on the side. Like Purina, you will find the Nutrena readily stocked by most big farm stores, many mom and pops, maybe some pet stores as well. Nutrena *looks* cheaper, lower price per bag - but its a 40# bag, not a 50# - so price/lb is likely higher.

I've used both, without issue. I don't feed either, now - my flock is far too large to make it cost effective.

All the feeds I linked are 20% protein, moderate amounts of fat, fiber, and (when compared to layer feeds) relatively low amounts of calcium. They will fit the bill for all your birds, of all ages, and both sexes. That's the quick summary.

If you want to get really deep into the weeds, I can compare the feeds and tell you which one I now believe is best (generally) and why. and if I can find nutrition info for the brands you are considering, will evaluate those too. But I'm not going to volunteer that time (and a longer post) trying to summarize why.

My store ordered some of the Kalmback "henhouse reserve" a few weeks ago, and it's like 30$ for a 20 or 30 lb bag!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

My store ordered some of the Kalmback "henhouse reserve" a few weeks ago, and it's like 30$ for a 20 or 30 lb bag!

if there wasn't a demand for it, it wouldn't be made (for long). Whether that demand is reasonable?.? But its others money, i've no claim on it, they can spend it as they will...