Layer feeds. Which do you like best?

[TERRY4]

I am wondering what I want to get my chickens that are nearing the laying age.

I checked out RKO feeds, and TSC. I kind of liked the Purina cause it mentions NOT having any animal proteins in it. But price wise Dumor at TSC has good reviews and seems good too.

Then, there is Nutrena. I used the safe choice for my horse. But the layer feed only comes in 40# bags, not 50#. That extra 10# means a lot IMO.

Please, what do you use, or give me YOUR opinion on these feeds.

Thank you.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I believe Dumor and Purina are made at the same mill, just a different formula, label and price.
As far as I know both are all vegetable.
I've seen a few companies provide 40# bags. They're easier to handle but I believe it is to make them seem cheaper.
As far as animal vs. vegetable protein. I prefer animal for a couple reasons. Chickens are omnivores and IMO benefit from animal protein sources such as porcine and fish meal.
Also, strictly vegetarian feeds source the protein from soy which is GMO unless it is organic. I would rather my chickens eat fish than GMO soy.

 

[TERRY4]

I believe Dumor and Purina are made at the same mill, just a different formula, label and price.
As far as I know both are all vegetable.
I've seen a few companies provide 40# bags. They're easier to handle but I believe it is to make them seem cheaper.
As far as animal vs. vegetable protein. I prefer animal for a couple reasons. Chickens are omnivores and IMO benefit from animal protein sources such as porcine and fish meal.
Also, strictly vegetarian feeds source the protein from soy which is GMO unless it is organic. I would rather my chickens eat fish than GMO soy.

So, which feed {even if I didn't mention it} would you feed? I just don't want chemicals mainly. I have to be able to get it at either store, in Ohio.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I'm in the Pro animal protein camp and to my knowledge, the only thing, maybe, maybe at TSC with animal protein might be one the GameBird feeds. That's about it. You could look and see. GameBird feed, with animal protein, at about 24-30% protein allows you to feed lots of scratch grains, table scraps and things of this nature. You wouldn't have to be worried about reducing the protein level down by feeding these additional things.

The difference in feathering quality when animal protein is fed is noticeable, in my opinion. I could add that through feeding some fish meal or cat food now and then, but that seems a bit fussy to me.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Oh, I should add. Feeding a calcium supplement such as pure limestone pellets or oyster shells is highly recommended as well. Laying hens need a good calcium source and buying Layer feed isn't the only way to get the hens the calcium source they need. A side dish of oyster or calcium carbonate works just as well, if not better.

 

[TERRY4]

I was going to feed a layer feed and oyster shell. But can't decide which feed. I don't want a game food really. I was even told not to use oyster unless the egg shells are too thin. So I am asking now to be ready.

The chickens are 4 months 1 week old now.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you provide the oyster shell in a separate container, they'll eat it if they need it. That will begin at about 5 months.
The problems with waiting till the shells are thin are that, They'll start to crush them in the nest and discover how good they taste becoming the dreaded egg eater.
Also bone damage will have already started.

You're not likely to find the feed you're seeking if the only place you're shopping is TSC.
I had to do a lot of shopping around over the years to get feed based on fish and pork meal.
I'd still like to go organic because the feed still has GMO corn in it but I just can't afford the organic that's available around here.

 

[TERRY4]

If you provide the oyster shell in a separate container, they'll eat it if they need it. That will begin at about 5 months.
The problems with waiting till the shells are thin are that, They'll start to crush them in the nest and discover how good they taste becoming the dreaded egg eater.
Also bone damage will have already started.

You're not likely to find the feed you're seeking if the only place you're shopping is TSC.
I had to do a lot of shopping around over the years to get feed based on fish and pork meal.
I'd still like to go organic because the feed still has GMO corn in it but I just can't afford the organic that's available around here.

The only other place we have is Rural King, so where do YOU suggest I buy feed? I have no choices here! I too can't pay twice as much for feeds. As I originally asked, what and where do you use? Also, is it ok to start the layer feed and oyster, say 2 weeks before they turn 5 months?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Many local feed mills have no web presence. They do little to no advertising. They are found by word of mouth and folks in rural areas where smaller holdings of hogs, cattle and poultry are raised, where there are Amish and Old Order Mennonites, and lots of homestead minded people know where these local mills are and they use them.

The savings can be substantial. Often savings of 40% of the rural themed chain stores like Rural King or TSC.

The feed is ground on the spot and sacked into non-descript feed bags with a draw string of binder twine. Nothing fancy. Surprisingly, there is sometimes a commitment to non-GMO corn being used as well.

 

[TERRY4]

Many local feed mills have no web presence. They do little to no advertising. They are found by word of mouth and folks in rural areas where smaller holdings of hogs, cattle and poultry are raised, where there are Amish and Old Order Mennonites, and lots of homestead minded people know where these local mills are and they use them.

The savings can be substantial. Often savings of 40% of the rural themed chain stores like Rural King or TSC.

The feed is ground on the spot and sacked into non-descript feed bags with a draw string of binder twine. Nothing fancy. Surprisingly, there is sometimes a commitment to non-GMO corn being used as well.

Well I'll decide on something. I would like to know, if starting them on layer feed {mixing it in with their middle feed} and oyster, 2 weeks before they're 5 months is ok? Of course the oyster will be in a separate feeder.