Could I find those feeds at a pet store or online?
Look for a feed called "flock raiser" or "flock maker." Those are not brand names; they're more like designations of types of feed. Purina, Kalmbach, Dumor, Nutrena are examples of brand names.
When you first get chicks, you'll want to start them out on "chick starter" which is again, a type of feed, and all the major brands will have something like that.
What you're looking for is the percentage of protein. Chick starter is usually around 18-20%, and the flock maker I feed my adult flock is also 20% protein.
Layer feed, however, is usually only 15-16% protein. Here's why: That is the LOWEST amount of protein that commercial poultry operations have found they can feed laying hens and get a good egg laying average from the birds. If the birds could produce on less, believe me, they would feed less! At their scale, fractions of pennies matter.
You and I aren't feeding at that scale. That's why it is MUCH (much-much) less expensive to buy premade feed, and spend a few dollars more per bag to get better protein.
Where to buy it... Do you have a store called
Tractor Supply Company, or Rural King, or Family Farm and Home near you? Those are 3 big chain stores that would have chicken feed. A regular pet store probably wouldn't, but they might. You can look online; a lot of places ship nowadays.
What does it cost? The Kalmbach 20% flock maker that I feed is about $22 for 50 pounds. There are also non-GMO and organic options, but they are about $30 for a 40 pound bag, so a lot more expensive.
