Help with feed selection

[RuffIedFeathers]

I have a mixed flock with roosters. I currently feed Kalmbach 20% Flock Maker non-GMO. I'm thinking of switching over to an organic feed, because many of my egg customers want to purchase "organic" eggs. Would either of these be a nutritionally quality food? Looking at either Kalmbach 20% organic chick and meatbird starter grower and Bar Ale organic 22% chick and broiler. OR do you have any other suggestions for a nutritionally adequate organic feed? I know many of them are not all that great. Thank you! I've attached links of what I currently feed and what I'm thinking of switching to.

current feed
https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/N1044-new-2019.pdf

https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/O1040.pdf

https://store.baraleinc.com/product...nic 22% Chick & Broiler 40lbs OP20C label.pdf

 

[Brooks_]

Before addressing the nutrients of the feeds, having been started on non-organic, they will never be organic.

 

[RuffIedFeathers]

Before addressing the nutrients of the feeds, having been started on non-organic, they will never be organic.

Interesting. I have read so much conflicting information. Could the eggs be organic, but not the chicken itself? I would love links to any research addressing this question. Thank you!

 

[Brooks_]

Per USDA to be "organic" they must be fed organic from day one. Nutritionally, they were pretty close. Bar Ale had a slight edge.

 

[Sally PB]

This will tell you what you need to know.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Poultry - Guidelines.pdf

This bit of information caught me by surprise:

"Lumber treated with arsenate or other prohibited substances may not be used for new construction that will come into direct contact with soil or livestock. For example, treated wood should not be used to construct brooder housing or portable pens where poultry can have direct contact with the wood."

 

[Brooks_]

This will tell you what you need to know.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Poultry - Guidelines.pdf

This bit of information caught me by surprise:

"Lumber treated with arsenate or other prohibited substances may not be used for new construction that will come into direct contact with soil or livestock. For example, treated wood should not be used to construct brooder housing or portable pens where poultry can have direct contact with the wood."

Thank you for bringing that up. There are so many rules and regs for organic.

However, many customers are satisfied that they are currently being fed organic.

 

[rosemarythyme]

However, many customers are satisfied that they are currently being fed organic.

You can state that the birds are currently fed an organic diet - and for some customers that may be enough. But you'd need to be certified to put an organic label on the eggs, and yes part of that is the birds must be fed and raised according to organic guidelines their whole lives.

My eggs are "organic enough" for my consumption - organic feed their entire lives and the yard doesn't get treated with anything, but the treats the birds get are not always organic.

 

[Brooks_]

"organic enough"

As are mine. Non-organic, but I know the nutritional profile.

 

[Folly's place]

Already good advice here, and it's fine to decide to buy organic feed for them. BUT they are not, and will not produce 'organic' eggs, ever.
Be clear to your buyers about this!
Mary

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I have a mixed flock with roosters. I currently feed Kalmbach 20% Flock Maker non-GMO. I'm thinking of switching over to an organic feed, because many of my egg customers want to purchase "organic" eggs. Would either of these be a nutritionally quality food? Looking at either Kalmbach 20% organic chick and meatbird starter grower and Bar Ale organic 22% chick and broiler. OR do you have any other suggestions for a nutritionally adequate organic feed? I know many of them are not all that great. Thank you! I've attached links of what I currently feed and what I'm thinking of switching to.

current feed
https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/N1044-new-2019.pdf

https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/O1040.pdf

https://store.baraleinc.com/product/attachment/0960-40/0960-40 Organic 22% Chick & Broiler 40lbs OP20C label.pdf

The BarAle is the superior feed. The higher methionine levels will promote better growth in your hatchlings and adolescents, and if you raise birds for meat, will be great for them too.

If you are maintaining solely adult hens, the high total crude protein levels and higher lysine and methione aren't nearly as important - you can almost certainly find a less expensive organic option which is perfectly adequate.

and as other have said, Certified Organic is a lot of paperwork, and has a lot of requirements - but having fed them even once a non organic feed, those birds will never be able to be certified organic.