Help me pick feed.

[Peneliva]

Most of my chickens are nearing the age of lay and I am trying to figure out what to switch them to (the smaller are in a seperate coop with their on food and would not be exposed to the new feed). I have these options.

1) Burkmann layer pellet 20% protein ($12)

2) Layena purina pellets 16% protein ($16)

3) Southern states pellets 16% protein ($19)

or no layer and stay with flock raiser which is 20% protein ($18) and supplement oyster shells ($10).

Keep in mind I wont be breeding or having younger chickens they will all be basically the same age.

They have access to fresh grass and veggies everyday. Plus a handful of scratch with whole seeds not mashed ones.

 

[five is my dog]

once you get the first egg i would switch them to burkmann layer pellet. more protein is always good. i would make sure it is vegatarian. if you dont want them to have meat.

 

[chfite]

Economically, I would choose the cheapest food. Considering the protein level of the Burkmann and their foraging the fresh plants and critters, they should be in good shape. As far as vegetarianism is concerned, foraging chickens will eat almost anything that they find, whether it crawls, hops, slithers, or wiggles.

On the other hand, there must be some reason that the Burkmann feed is so much cheaper. Knowing that might motivate you to make another choice.

Chris

 

[Taylor]

I feed mine all natural feed from my local co-op. its animal fat/meat free! its a great feed and my birds love it.