Fall/winter feed

[FrostRanger]

Does anyone make a non-soy 20% starter that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Kalmbach still doesn't make a starter that is high protein, organic, and non-soy. $66 for a bag is too rich for me when I have a flock of 31 currently, but will be reduced down to 19 soon enough.

Soy is one of the best plant sources of certain amino acids and animal protein is relatively expensive (although I certainly do wish more feeds included animal protein as chickens are NOT herbivores) hence why soy is commonly used in chicken feed. Unless you or someone in your household is allergic to soy, there's little reason to avoid feeds containing it. Do you have a mill locally? If so you might ask if they have any chicken feeds that fit what you're looking for at a better price point. Do be aware that many organic feeds have the absolute bare minimum of protein, methionine and lysine (and some have even less than the minimum) which are all essential for chicken health so check the nutrition label carefully

 

[thecatumbrella]

Does anyone make a non-soy 20% starter that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Kalmbach still doesn't make a starter that is high protein, organic, and non-soy. $66 for a bag is too rich for me when I have a flock of 31 currently, but will be reduced down to 19 soon enough.

I've only seen soy-free layer pellets from Nutrena. Aside from that, you're looking at Scratch & Peck or Grubbly Farms. Big bucks, like you've said. It was hard for me to justify those prices for an animal that will happily eat styrofoam and bits of pressure-treated wood.

 

[BDutch]

The cheapest option for good organic layer in my country is not extremely expensive and about ⅓ more expensive than their normal layer (with poison residues).
:
BLG laying pellets AR 20 kg
Organic, contains soy from Europe.
€ 17,64
Crumble has the same price.

Normal laying pellets AR 20 kg
With GMO soy from Brazil.
€ 11,79

 

[australorpia]

Found that the feed maker I have been getting feed from also makes 20% starter with no soy. Currently have been feeding them no soy no corn 16% organic feed. I buy it through Allgrass farms, but the producer is Cashton Farm Supply. I havent been told the price yet, but the current feed is $25 for a 40lb bag. They give you 10% off if you buiy 10 bags and that translates into a free bag, which is great.