Comparing 2 feed tags - is one worth $10 more per bag?

[HensInTheForest]

I'm curious to thoughts on comparing these 2 feeds.

One is flock raiser other is my local mill.

I see the lysine and meth are lower at local mill but also has way more calcium which I'm not sure they need at this level since we supplement with oyster shell. Fiber slightly higher at mill.

Comparing side by side what are your thoughts on ingredients and these levels?

Mill is $10 cheaper per bag, only avail in pellets.

Vitamins added to FR but I do give Poultry Drench once a week for added boost.

 

[Brooks_]

While $10 is tempting, I would only consider the mill layer for laying hens that are actively laying.

 

[FunClucks]

I'd look around on this site for Lysine and Methionine values, and what the recommended ranges are. @U_Stormcrow has a number of posts about feed tags and feed content, with some really good discussion on what those numbers should be and why. Also, @Kiki has a spreadsheet where folks have contributed a lot of tag information, and you can see how various manufacturers have or have not changed their formulas over time.

A link to get you started.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/current-internet-theory.1561604/unread

x2 what Brooks_ said, I'd only feed the mill feed to actively laying hens.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

You are comparing a higher protein "layer" formulation with an "All Flock" formulation. Two different purposes, they aren't easily compared.

If you have all adult production layers actively laying, save the money, feed the mill stuff. If you have roosters you plan on keeping, any chicks before point of lay, or a number of hens whose production is infrequent or small-medium eggs, use the all flock, supplimented by oyster shell.

Does you mill have other formulations?

 

[Kiki]

The mill feed:
I don't like how they recommend to put the feed on the floor.
That part and the mention of adding grains to it bothers me.

If I were you I'd choose the mill feed for 10 dollars less and not think twice about doing so.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Feed the mill stuff and save the money. It seems like a good feed.

 

[HensInTheForest]

While $10 is tempting, I would only consider the mill layer for laying hens that are actively laying.

Thanks, yes they are all laying now.

 

[HensInTheForest]

I'd look around on this site for Lysine and Methionine values, and what the recommended ranges are. @U_Stormcrow has a number of posts about feed tags and feed content, with some really good discussion on what those numbers should be and why. Also, @Kiki has a spreadsheet where folks have contributed a lot of tag information, and you can see how various manufacturers have or have not changed their formulas over time.

A link to get you started.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/current-internet-theory.1561604/unread

x2 what Brooks_ said, I'd only feed the mill feed to actively laying hens.

Thanks I'll check it out.

 

[HensInTheForest]

You are comparing a higher protein "layer" formulation with an "All Flock" formulation. Two different purposes, they aren't easily compared.

If you have all adult production layers actively laying, save the money, feed the mill stuff. If you have roosters you plan on keeping, any chicks before point of lay, or a number of hens whose production is infrequent or small-medium eggs, use the all flock, supplimented by oyster shell.

Does you mill have other formulations?

Thanks!

Yes just hens now, all laying.

They had 4 or 5 other formulas, an all flock, an egg layer mash, a 16% , a 30% game bird and one more I can't think of.

 

[HensInTheForest]

The mill feed:
I don't like how they recommend to put the feed on the floor.
That part and the mention of adding grains to it bothers me.

If I were you I'd choose the mill feed for 10 dollars less and not think twice about doing so.

I noticed that too. Who puts their feed on the floor?

I didn't know what to make of that.

All hens here no roos.
Thanks for chiming in.