Best organic food for mixed flock? 19% protein?

[FolkSonginC]

I've been doing a ton of research to try and find the best food for my flocks. I've been looking at new country organics corn-free layer, which looks great, but the only problem is I have drakes and roosters (in addition to hens) and I'm worried about the extra calcium. They are mostly pet flocks, so I want them to have the best nutrition possible, and I read the excess calcium can build up and cause kidney damage. So I was thinking about feeding everyone grower with oyster shell on the side, but the only problem is that the grower from new country is 19% protein, which seems like too much. And I haven't been able to find a food that's better than new country, which is $42 at my local feed store, that isn't $60 or $70. Any suggestions? Or opinions on the protein? Just looking for additional perspectives, as I seem to be stuck here. It seems like the options are either really good food with too much calcium or protein, or the correct amount of calcium and protein with worse nutrition and ingredients.

 

[PioneerChicks]

What is your general area? I just starting using Big D Ranch, but I don't think they do shipping. The nice thing about them is they sell whole-grains instead of pellets!

I think they'll be okay with 19 percent protein, but maybe that's just my opinion. My flock is currently on 18 percent protein and I have hens, pullets, roosters, and some chicks a couple months old. I do not believe in being strict on the rules. I feed my chicks Starter for the first month then let their mother switch them to the flock's feed when she thinks they are ready. They are healthy and happy!

In the old days, chickens used to eat a diet of almost all bugs all summer long, and most insects average about 75 percent protein.

Check around to see what others around you use. If possible, I recommend going for less calcium, a range of 16-19 percent protein, and healthier ingredients. Whole grains are a bonus because they ferment really well!

Good luck!

 

[FolkSonginC]

What is your general area? I just starting using Big D Ranch, but I don't think they do shipping. The nice thing about them is they sell whole-grains instead of pellets!

I think they'll be okay with 19 percent protein, but maybe that's just my opinion. My flock is currently on 18 percent protein and I have hens, pullets, roosters, and some chicks a couple months old. I do not believe in being strict on the rules. I feed my chicks Starter for the first month then let their mother switch them to the flock's feed when she thinks they are ready. They are healthy and happy!

In the old days, chickens used to eat a diet of almost all bugs all summer long, and most insects average about 75 percent protein.

Check around to see what others around you use. If possible, I recommend going for less calcium, a range of 16-19 percent protein, and healthier ingredients. Whole grains are a bonus because they ferment really well!

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! That's part of what I liked about new country, their layer and grower are whole grains, too! I'm hoping to ferment whatever I end up with. I'm in southern maine, I'll check out the brand you suggested.

 

[Titantherooster]

I was about to ask the same question. After reading am I seeing that simply using grower feed at 19% or less for mixed gender flocks and then supplementing oyster shell is what most people do? I’ve got drakes and roosters too and don’t want them to have kidney issues. They have already been on layer feed for months so want to make a switch soon

 

[FolkSonginC]

I was about to ask the same question. After reading am I seeing that simply using grower feed at 19% or less for mixed gender flocks and then supplementing oyster shell is what most people do? I’ve got drakes and roosters too and don’t want them to have kidney issues. They have already been on layer feed for months so want to make a switch soon

Same here. looking to switch mine off of layer, for short term they're on some crap purina all flock that I bought but that's 20% protein, which I think is definitely too much. There's always the option of cutting it with oats or greens or something, but I want to feed organic and organic greens are so expensive, and so are oats.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Purina makes a Duck feed with 19%Protein for all ages. So I think 19% is OK. . It's not organic. GC

 

[Folly's place]

That protein level is fine, and birds getting other stuff, free ranging, or fed goodies, will do better with it than those on 16% protein.
Then, see what feeds are available where you shop, fresh by mill dates on each bag. Brands will vary, there's no one and only one perfect product everywhere!
You will pay more for organic anything, because it's more expensive to grow and process.
Mary