NatureWise Hearty Hen by Nutrena

[jwyles]

I switched my flock to the above mentioned feed a couple weeks ago and I have been so pleased! It's a soy free formula with 18% protein, but still formulated for laying hens. I'm already seeing a difference in the appearance of my hens and their poo. They are so much fatter and fluffier and their poo is more formed and healthier looking. Not to mention 3 of my 9 hens had never laid an egg before and since switching to this feed 2 of the 3 are now laying! I didn't expect that because we are having some pretty cold weather here with night time temps below freezing. I honestly expected no new layers until it warmed up. I'm not supplementing light or doing anything else differently. Anyway just thought I would put my experience out there and see if anyone else has had luck with this feed. I'm also curious if I should switch to lower protein when it gets warmer here or us 18% ok all year round?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

could you post a pic of the feed bag please?
wondering if it is available down here.

 

[jwyles]

Just realized I typed by Purina but it's by Nutrena. Oops!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I will have to look for that.. What is the retail price?

 

[jwyles]

I will have to look for that.. What is the retail price?

I got it at TSC for $16 for a 40lb. bag which i don't find to be a bad price. The other thing I like is that the pellets are smaller in size than some other feeds I've tried. You may be able to find it for less in your area but TSC is our only local store to buy chicken food except the co-op which sells one kind and I tried it bc I wanted to support the co-op/ small local business and all, but my flocks appearance, production and poo quality suffered dramatically so that had to end.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I'm also curious if I should switch to lower protein when it gets warmer here or us 18% ok all year round?

I was using a 18% Start & Grow, then switched to a 18% layers feed till last summer. I switched my 5 hens to a 16% layers feed at 15 months of age.
I fed them 3 bags over the summer and into fall.
I was not happy with their behavior or appearance.
I switched back to a 18% layers feed back in October and my girls are back to their good behavior and appearance.
In the summer my hens eat less feed than in the winter, so I think the higher Protein is good year round.
I think an 18 to 20% feed is good for day old chicks right through adulthood.
My chickens will not get less than 18% Protein from now on. GC

 

[jwyles]

I was using a 18% Start & Grow, then switched to a 18% layers feed till last summer. I switched my 5 hens to a 16% layers feed at 15 months of age.
I fed them 3 bags over the summer and into fall.
I was not happy with their behavior or appearance.
I switched back to a 18% layers feed back in October and my girls are back to their good behavior and appearance.
In the summer my hens eat less feed than in the winter, so I think the higher Protein is good year round.
I think an 18 to 20% feed is good for day old chicks right through adulthood.
My chickens will not get less than 18% Protein from now on. GC

Thanks. I had sort of speculated that. Once had someone tell me they never stopped feeding high protein starter to theirs but I like the idea of this bc it's high protein while being formulated for layers. After seeing the difference I'll be reluctant to try anything else too.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Are they still making this with canola? Tried this when it was agway hearty hen. I like the 18%, but trading soy for canola isn't an improvement to me. Glad it works for you.

 

[jwyles]

Are they still making this with canola? Tried this when it was agway hearty hen. I like the 18%, but trading soy for canola isn't an improvement to me. Glad it works for you.

Hmmm.... I'm not sure! I'll check it out. I'm impressed with the change so I know it's an upgrade from what I was using but there may still be something even better out there!