Feed related question for all you North Carolinians!

[Jsto]

Organic feed seems to be a question that comes up often. As it's coming somewhat close to the time to switch to layer feed, I'm starting to get antsy as I have not come up with a solution.

I've found companies online, but I just don't think I can afford the higher price of organic feed PLUS the ridiculous shipping prices. Mixing is an option, but it's a bit much considering I only have 6 birds.

Do any of you know a store that sells organic feed in the south east area of the state? I'm near Asheville and am willing to drive no more than an hour to pick up.

If I can't find anything, I'm looking at the Purina Layena, which I've heard good things about. Someone told me it's the non-organic feed that is the closest to being organic, but I don't know. I'm not selling my eggs so I'm not worried about that organic label, I just like to go organic in most areas of my life.

Any help would be great! Thank you!

 

[Nyna]

Hi, I don't know if this helps you too much, but I have Purina Layena and my chickens don't care for it much. I only have to fill the feeder once a week! So I am going to try something different next time. I don't know, maybe my chickens are just picky.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Have you done a search on the Purina Mills site? http://www.purina-mills.com/DealerLocator.aspx?SearchType=A

I can get it down here in Mt. Holly and the surrounding area with no problems. Put in your zip code and how far you are willing to drive and you should get some hits.

I haven't used the Layena yet, my girls are still on the StartnGrow but love it. They are good sized and healthy too!

 

[Southern28Chick]

Sorry I don't know of any organic feeds anywhere other than online. I've heard people say though that even "organic feeds" may not be 100% organic.

 

[Jsto]

That's the thing...before I actually got into it, the whole organic idea was so appealing. Now that I'm 3 months in, I'm starting to get practical. I just can't justify to myself spending that kind of money for something that more than likely isn't as organic as the price would lead you believe. If I could find it locally, that'd be a different story. The best option for going completely organic is to mix your own, which again, is just not practical for me.

Thanks for the site--I have a feed store that sells the Layena. The price tag, lack of meat by products, and quality of the feed is very attractive. Not to mention the availability of it. The girls will be free ranging, so I'm starting to worry less and less about going completely organic on the feed route.

Thanks for the replies

 

[MayberrySaint]

I buy my layer feed from Southern States...they have vegetarian and regular rations. I am very familiar with their feed mills here in NC and they have excellent quality control processes in place. I'm sure there is a SS dealer near Asheville.

 

[Jsto]

Yeah, there's a SS in Fletcher...it's basically in my back yard. Kind of lame, but they didn't even cross my mind. Thanks for the reminder

 

[NeuseWorks]

Jsto,
I don't know where you are in NC but if you are close to Raleigh you can get 50lb bags of organic starter and layer feed at Triangle Horse Sports on Old Wake Forest road about a mill up from Capital Blvd. I don't remember the brand off the top of my head but my girls love it. I've got to pick up more this week so I'll post the brand when I get a new bag.

 

[k8]

I found a place that has nutri balancer (?) that you add to your home mix. Mt. Harvest Garden Center at 600 Charlotte Hwy in Fairview I believe has organic chicken feed. I'm going to give it a try as soon as I can!