New Country Organics decline in quality

[Kiki]

Have you ever thought about collecting some fresh poop to test for worms?

 

[Loona]

NCO just announced they'll be offering pellets next month. I spoke to someone there, and he said the pellets are coming out of Texas but the grain feed they sell in Virginia is all milled in Virginia. So if you're getting bad bags, you may want to check the source. If they were from a coop or local retail store, it's possible they sat for awhile or got wet.

I admit I've only gone through 2 bags of the NCO soy and corn-free grower feed to date, but I bought them directly from the NCO store in Waynesboro. It smelled and looked fine to me. Yes the peas were yellow ones but there weren't excessive shells or anything yuck. My chickens so far seem happy with it. They're growing like weeds and they waste very little. I feed it dry and fermented.

If chickens pick out what they don't like and only eat the good stuff, is it possible they developed vitamin deficiencies and that caused the sour crops - rather than the food? In which case, switching to a pellet or crumble could help?

I'm new around here, and I'd like to give my chickens the best possible. If you find another corn and soy free food that won't cost $100 to ship to Virginia, I'd be very interested to hear.

Hi, yes, isn't that great? The guy did tell me they were coming out with a pellet and I was happy to hear that. Yes, he did say it was being made in Texas, but this place in Texas is the same place they're getting their grain. The only thing they're doing in VA is bagging it. I thought they were actually making it in VA all these years until the most recent phone call a month+ ago when he told me about the pellets and I complained again about quality. Believe me, when I first bought this, about 4 years ago I thought it was absolutely wonderful. It was soft and rich looking. Green and Yellow split peas and a few shells here and there. Had a nice golden brown tone to it. Today it is much more pale and dry, green peas are scant, yellow peas are not the chicks favorite, so it wastes, and lots of pea shells. I have to blow them off. The last two bags I got were not as bad. The problem when I bought it was there wasn't a date, only a Lot #. So I was always calling them to ask what date the lot number is from. Recently the guy said why don't you just buy direct from us. You're sure to get the most recent lot. So I have been doing that. I meet Driver Dan.
I've noticed a quality issue intermittently over the course of years using it. But the yellow light came on last fall when the hens would not touch their feed. Something was def wrong with it. So much waste and I could tell they're looking a little skinny. Not good w/winter coming on. So I began to 'supplement' with a pellet mash which they thoroughly enjoy every last drop. And ever since that bag, I have been leery of the feed. One flock is 5 years old. Another is 3 years old. One hen from each flock has died in past two months. Two were very ill. One recovered completely. The other one seems to be on the mend as we speak.
I am now interested in Nature's Best that has also come out with a soy-free pellet. But I can't find it locally but their sales dept will get back with me on where I'll be able to get soon. I'd go w/NCO but my gut just doesn't trust it anymore. Yes, I used it for years w/no problems. But now I can't. I wish it was different because they do like it, but something isn't right and I'm suspicious it's their feed. Three years ago I would've told you I found the best chicken feed on earth. Today, not so much. I know what it used to look like. They say they're not doing anything different, but I know it's not as rich looking as it used to be. Someone else on this forum said the same thing and it was kinda recent. Maybe in April or May. Best to you and your hens!

 

[Loona]

Have you ever thought about collecting some fresh poop to test for worms?

I've never noticed any worms in any of their poops. I look - many times. Mine don't free range at all so I really don't think it's a worm issue. I'm actually taking a vacation soon (believe it or not, LOL!!) (chickens have a way of deterring those things!!!) but have to go to a family reunion. I have pondered worming them, but don't dare do so until we are back. Right now I'm on a mission to getting them in tip top shape beforehand so my daughter who''ll be tending to them 2-3 times a day should be good to go. I've already told her to please not even tell me if one of them falls ill. I'll do nothing but worry. I tell you, chickens have turned me into a worry wart!!!

 

[Kiki]

I would just like to point out that chickens usually don't poop out worms until they are so full of them that the worms can't possible stay in their body.


IF you are having a problem with a thin bird and IF you are having a problem with a poopy butt you might want to have some poop tested by a vet.

 

[Loona]

I think the poopy butt is just one of those things. It's never been a major issue. But recently when the crop issues arose, it was the poopy butt that alerted me to feel the crop.
All of my hens and roosters look very good in weight and feathers. They have a pretty big pen around their coop so they have lots of outdoor space.
Believe me, worming them has been on my mind lately but I just cannot start a cycle of worming and then worry about what may follow. It must be after I return. I just don't know what to expect from it and it does worry me. They all have decent looking poops currently. So afraid to stir the pot before I have to leave.

 

[Loona]

I would just like to point out that chickens usually don't poop out worms until they are so full of them that the worms can't possible stay in their body.


IF you are having a problem with a thin bird and IF you are having a problem with a poopy butt you might want to have some poop tested by a vet.

I just noticed your pic of Safeguard for Horses. Did you know they make a pellet? If so, do you have any experience with it?

 

[Kiki]

I just noticed your pic of Safeguard for Horses. Did you know they make a pellet? If so, do you have any experience with it?

Yes I have seen the pellet form but have not paid attention to it to know what the amount of medicine is in it. I would not recommend this for chickens.
There is no way to ensure which bird eats which amount of pellets.

 

[Loona]

Yes I have seen the pellet form but have not paid attention to it to know what the amount of medicine is in it. I would not recommend this for chickens.
There is no way to ensure which bird eats which amount of pellets.

Yes, I see what you mean. I guess they assume each horse to eat X amount of pellets. Hard to do w/chickens.

 

[doodledo]

I too have noticed a decline in quality of NCO. Lots of powder. So you are not alone.
I am in PA and to find any non gmo feed locally is impossible.
I am going to Tractor Supply and ask them if they know when they will be getting the soy free NB in. My luck, never. Lol

 

[Cindy in PA]

As I said before, Nature's Best no soy is supposed to be only available by special order thru Southern States dealers right now. I haven't even had luck with that, but haven't contacted them since April. I inquired by email again to NB last week and haven't heard back. After a year of going back & forth with them, I am beginning to think they are never going to get it out there. Depending on where you are in PA, there are no soy pellets avaliable from Organic Unlimited in Atglen Chester County. NB no soy layer is 15.5% & the main ingredient is canola.