Best brand/source of chick starter feed?

[FarmerCluck]

My new babies are arriving in less than 2 weeks. What chick starter feed do you all recommend for them? I haven't picked up any yet. Also, if you can tell me where you usually get it, that would be great! Thanks!

 

[Katy]

I prefer Purina medicated Start & Grow. I know there are some other good feeds out there....some just aren't available everywhere.

 

[elmo]

I used the brand locally available until I ordered Countryside Naturals organic feed online. It's expensive with shipping (comes out to $1 per pound), and I had to order a 50 lb bag (which is way more than I need), but I really like the feed. It's not soy based; the protein comes from fish, and it includes Fertrell's supplements.

My chicks' poops are smaller and less stinky (other than the cecal poops, of course) since I've been feeding Countryside, which makes me believe that they're getting more nutrition (and less waste) from this feed.

We like it a lot.

 

[cafarmgirl]

We don't have a big selection where I live but mine have done very well on the Purina Start + Grow.

 

[Chickensrock10110]

The brand of chick starter to me does not matter.I first look if the feed is quality feed, such as no mold, bugs ,etc... Then I look at it's nutritional value and if it is medicated or not.Everything has to be perfect in order for the chick to grow properly.For example the food might have way too much protein or way too little protein might result in stunted growth.To me brand does not matter.What matters is the nutrition the chick is getting.Hope this helps.....

 

[Chris623]

Quote:
I'm pretty darned new to this and your comment was rather "generic". "Everything has to be perfect".........means what? What makes it perfect? What is way too much or too little protein? What, specifically, should I be looking for in a chick feed?

 

[becky3086]

I get Purina from the feed store and Dumor from Tractor Supply. I haven't noticed any difference.

 

[trilyn]

Well, if you're looking for a high quality feed, I recommend Blue Seal or it's also called Kent depending where you are in the USA. Here's the link:

http://www.blueseal.com/livestock/poultry/

I love this stuff-and I know there's other bycer's on here that do too!

 

[eggsited chickens]

We get ours from Kalmbach. (http://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/Poultry.html) It's an organic feed, I don't remember if it's a grower feed or chick starter.

We received 33 chicks from McMurray Hatchery and so far they are still all alive...going on 11 weeks.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
You're looking for around 20 percent protein, for chick starter. When they get to be laying age, their protein needs are reduced, but they need added calcium.