new chicks, what is the best brand of food

[Chickenlover0810]

we are getting new chicks on thursday and i was wondering if there is a good brand or is there a better brand of food, any options?
thanks in advance!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Whatever you can get that's fresh is "best." Also decide ahead of time if you want organic or conventional, medicated or non medicated... if the chicks are vaccinated for coccidiosis, do not use medicated.

 

[SnapdragonQ]

I've tried most of the regular brands out there available at most farm supply stores and prefer Nutrena Naturewise.
Enough so that when I need it I have my Tractor Supply Co specially get it in for me when I'm getting chicks. Because my TSC is a smaller store they don't normally stock the Nutrenea chick feed, only the Nutrena layer and flock feeds, which I use.

I know feed brands are personal choices, but I find in the layer feed I get stronger shells, healthier hens, better production, and less stink in the coop with Nutrena. I personally think my baby chicks do better on it over the other brands and I always have strong robust chicks, all other things being equal.
I've had chicks and chickens long before Nutrena even came on scene, so have used others for years, including specialized local blends milled on site. I also use Nutrena products for my other animals and can say even more good things about Nutrena there.
I am in no way affiliated with the company, I'm just very happy with the changes it has brough about in my flock and other animal keeping.

That said, I do think if you can't find it for your chicks it's ok. Down the road if you decide it's the layer feed you would like to feed your little egg makers, it's easier to find the layer formulas.

 

[harice4806]

It comes down to cost and preference. There's so many options. I always used the Dumor chick starter from TSC when I had chicks. Others prefer Purina or Manna Pro or something medicated or organic. Or maybe you have a local feed mill that sells chick feed. I stayed with TSC feed for a few yrs til I discovered I have a local mill. Nutritionally it's the same as name brands so for me I wanted to buy local if I can. But as long as it's designed for chicks it should be fine.

 

[Annaafranqueza]

I get the Nutrena Naturewise non medicated feed! Make sure if they are vaccinated for coccidiosis you get non medicated. If they arent vaccinated they sell a medicated feed. They never have that one at my tractor supply but you can always get it online. I use the same brand for layer feed and its worked great.