Best chicken feed

[Kristencardany]

What brand of chicken feed is best for the chickens and best for the price? What is better for bantam breeds crumbles or pellets?

 

[chickenlittle21]

Crumbles. I have figured out that all chickens prefer crumbles. Lots of times with crumbles the chickens will spill them but they eat the ones they spilled. You can choose whatever one you want but I recommend crumbles.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

What brand of chicken feed is best for the chickens and best for the price? What is better for bantam breeds crumbles or pellets?

Depends on what your flock consists of. If you have just full grown hens, then you can go for a layer crumble mix (since you have bantams I think that would be better). If you have a mixed flock (different ages, maybe some roosters), then it may be better to get an all-flock type mix and feed oyster shell on the side. I feed Flock Raiser by Purina with oyster shell on the side since I have roosters and not all of my chickens are laying. It costs about $18 per 50lb bag.

Generally you will find that layer feed is cheaper than other types of feed. Here layer can get as cheap as $12 dollars, or even less if its on sale, for a 50lb bag.

 

[RoosterML]

I’ve done several different variations and combinations of feed and have tried many different manufacturers. I feed Poulin Products. 2/3 Layer Pellet w/ 1/3 Chick starter. This has provided me with good shell quality with nice colored yolks. I use to be on the “all flock” train but not any longer. By all flock I mean any low calcium feed. With this you do Oyster shell on the side. This caused poor shells especially in high production hens such as leghorns and production reds. If I didn’t have chick feed around because I currently have chicks I would likely just feed layer. Feed freshness is also something to consider not just manufacture. Mill dates are listed on all feed bags.

 

[Folly's place]

I feed Flock Raiser, which is always fresh by mill date around here, with oyster shell on the side. I have roosters, laying hens, older molting hens, and usually youngsters, and they can all eat the same feed.
What's fresh and good quality where you live and shop will vary, so check things out at your feed stores, and then decide.
If I had a flock of same aged Leghorns, I might feed a layer feed instead. It depends on who you have, and what's available fresh in your area.
Mary

 

[Kristencardany]

Thank you!!!

 

[Kristencardany]

Depends on what your flock consists of. If you have just full grown hens, then you can go for a layer crumble mix (since you have bantams I think that would be better). If you have a mixed flock (different ages, maybe some roosters), then it may be better to get an all-flock type mix and feed oyster shell on the side. I feed Flock Raiser by Purina with oyster shell on the side since I have roosters and not all of my chickens are laying. It costs about $18 per 50lb bag.

Generally you will find that layer feed is cheaper than other types of feed. Here layer can get as cheap as $12 dollars, or even less if its on sale, for a 50lb bag.

Thank you very much!!!