Best nutritional and economic all flock feed?

[Browniethechicken]

I am currently using Purina dumor chick starter feed. I have seven week old pullets and 21 week old pullets. I am looking for suggestions for a good quality food that doesn’t break the bank. This could be the chick starter or an all flock variety. I am also looking at something that I can purchase from a co-op, tractor supply, easy to get store?

 

[WIchickMama]

If there are any store brands, they might be pretty darn close in nutritional needs but a hair cheaper. I know Sprout brand at Fleet Farm (around here) is under $20 for a 50lb bag of chick starter/grower

 

[Aunt Angus]

I've found that free ranging or grazing boxes cuts down on feed costs. Fermenting helps, too.

 

[Happy hen lover]

You're fine to feed them chick starter or "all flock" for life . Try to use the proteins of 18-20% . See what your co-op has and TSC has an all flock at 20% Dumor. Mine did better on all flock than they did on layer feed. Once laying offer oyster shell free choice

 

[Brooks_]

I'd suggest comparing the nutrition tags of what is available to you locally. Also look at the mill date - you'll want to be able to use it within 2-3 months of that date. For me locally, dumor 20% starter will likely be the cheapest while maintaining a good nutritional profile and freshness.

 

[Raymond Dean White]

You're fine to feed them chick starter or "all flock" for life . Try to use the proteins of 18-20% . See what your co-op has and TSC has an all flock at 20% Dumor. Mine did better on all flock than they did on layer feed. Once laying offer oyster shell free choice

I mix oyster shell in with the Dumor Layer feed. I've heard that 16% protein (like in the Dumor Layer feed) is best for egg production, while 20% is better for meat birds or while they are growing to adulthood. Anyone know if that's right?

 

[Brooks_]

16% is the minimum that a commercial egg operation can get by on. Not the best. I recommend 18-20% for all life and purpose stages for typical back yard flocks.

 

[Folly's place]

And mixing oyster shell into that already high calcium, low protein feed is NOT best.
Separate dishes for each instead.
Mary

 

[Sally PB]

Pick a feed that is 18-20% protein and offer grit and oyster shell (and/or crushed egg shells) on the side. The birds that need the extra calcium will eat it, and the others will leave it alone.