Feed costs rising! Transitioning to different feed. *Questions*

[EIEIO Funny Farm]

Need to change feed due to cost. Does anyone use the TSC layer feed - Producers Pride? Do your hens like it?
Any pros or cons to share besides cost?
I currently use Purina Layena and cost is up ….again so looking to make a change. If so, do I do a gradual transition like I do with horse feed? I appreciate your input

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I don't trust the TSC feed brands, but @cluckmecoop7 might.

When changing the new grains, I like to 'wean' them. So basically, mix in a little of the new feed at first, and change the amount of new feed to more each time you refill your feeder until they're completely on the new stuff.

 

[Timmy Tangles]

We have used it before with no noticeable issues. We are currently using Purina Layena as well. How much more did it go up? We only use 40 pounds of Layena in 40 days so we can tolerate a little increase too.

 

[EIEIO Funny Farm]

We have used it before with no noticeable issues. We are currently using Purina Layena as well. How much more did it go up? We only use 40 pounds of Layena in 40 days so we can tolerate a little increase too.

From $18+ to $24 in S Texas. I’m hesitant to change because I started them on Nutrina Wise and they didn’t like it, but they do like Purina. Maybe I should just stock up and have reserve - I would imagine we will see more of a hike.

 

[EIEIO Funny Farm]

I don't trust the TSC feed brands, but @cluckmecoop7 might.

When changing the new grains, I like to 'wean' them. So basically, mix in a little of the new feed at first, and change the amount of new feed to more each time you refill your feeder until they're completely on the new stuff.

What reason do you not trust TSC? Just curious. Trash feed? Like Ol Roy dog food? My vet said that’s trash feed

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

What reason do you not trust TSC? Just curious. Trash feed? Like Ol Roy dog food? My vet said that’s trash feed

I've heard rumors of some people's chickens dying from the feed. I don't know if it was really from the feed or not because I've never done deep research of it or really tested it with my birds. But those rumors are enough for me to not want to feed my chickens any grain from TSC.

 

[EIEIO Funny Farm]

I've heard rumors of some people's chickens dying from the feed. I don't know if it was really from the feed or not because I've never done deep research of it or really tested it with my birds. But those rumors are enough for me to not want to feed my chickens any grain from TSC.

Agreed. Thanks for the info

 

[NNYchick]

Compare the labels. I just looked on the website site it has 1.5% fat and 10% fiber that is way unbalanced should be closer 5 for both. Cheaper feed are putting a lot of By Products = junk. I find the cheaper the feed the more they eat to trying to increase the nutrition they need, so you are not really saving. Make sure your feed is fresh, feed oxizes fast and loses nutritional value. Here is an example of a layer diet note the nutrition pay attention to methionine and lysine these are the amino acids chickens use and are more important than crude protein %, look at fat, fiber, vitamins A,E,D. This is a breeder formula most breeders add calcium free choice on the side so we can feed roosters and hens same feed. But it gives you an idea of levels you should be looking at on your feed tag. I compinsated for increase feed cost by reducing the number of birds I am feeding rather than decreasing the quantity of feed in the end budget feed is going to lead to problems with health and wellness of the birds.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I've heard rumors of some people's chickens dying from the feed. I don't know if it was really from the feed or not because I've never done deep research of it or really tested it with my birds. But those rumors are enough for me to not want to feed my chickens any grain from TSC.

I never heard that rumor. I've been using TSC DuMOR layer pellets, layer crumble, and grower/starter feed ever since I started raising chickens 4 years ago and never had any problems. Could you provide a link?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I never heard that rumor. I've been using TSC DuMOR layer pellets, layer crumble, and grower/starter feed ever since I started raising chickens 4 years ago and never had any problems. Could you provide a link?

Sorry, I don't have a link. I was hearing this before I got on BYC.