Nutrena NatureWise Meatbird 22% crumbles VS. Purina Meat Bird Feed Crumbles

[KMS]

Hi everyone,

We currently have laying hens, but want to start raising meat birds. Trying to get opinions on Nutrena NatureWise Meatbird 22% crumbles VS. Purina Meat Bird Feed Crumbles. The birds will be dual purpose, but will be raised for the purpose of meat, not so much concern for the eggs. Any knowledge on noted feed is appreciated or recommendation on another type of feed.

Thanks,
Kelly

 

[GC-Raptor]

Trying to get opinions on Nutrena NatureWise Meatbird 22% crumbles VS. Purina Meat Bird Feed Crumbles.

Take your pick. They are virtually identical.
Protein 22%
Fat 2.5%
Fiber 6%
Calcium 0.9 to 1.4%
Both also have Pre and Probiotics, and are Corn and Soy based feed.
I've never used a meatbird feed, all my chickens are egg layers.
I do like and use both brands of feed.
I buy whichever brand is fresher, on sale or available when I'm at TSC. GC

 

[KMS]

Take your pick. They are virtually identical.
Protein 22%
Fat 2.5%
Fiber 6%
Calcium .9 to 1.4%
Both also have Pre and Probiotics.
I've never used a meatbird feed, all my chickens are egg layers.
I do like and use both brands of feed.
I buy whichever brand is fresher, on sale or available when I'm at TSC. GC

Thanks, I just read that one you feed 12hrs on and 12 hours off whereas the purina you can leave for free feeding, so wasnt sure if the nutrena had something in it that you could not provide free feeding.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Thanks, I just read that one you feed 12hrs on and 12 hours off whereas the purina you can leave for free feeding, so wasnt sure if the nutrena had something in it that you could not provide free feeding.

The 12 hours on, 12 hours off should apply to both brands when you are raising CX meatbirds, they will over eat if feed is constantly available.

For duel purpose chickens free feed them either brand. GC

 

[Mtnboomer]

Ive used both. I have Brahmas for dual purpose. I essentially have 2 flocks. The adults (4mo + old hens and the breeding roo) free range. The 2nd are the juveniles that are 2mo-4mo olds or young cockerels after the 4mo hens are removed and are kept in a conventional coop/run setup.
We butcher the hens at 10 months and the cockerels between 3mo-6mos.

Free Range flock:
I mixed the meat bird crumbles with layer pellets plus a side of oyster shells. I keep track of all harvest weights and the difference between using only layer feed and the mix was less than 1/2lb. I think the insects and seeds they forage while free ranging make up the difference in feed. So my free range flock is now back to layer pellets only supplemental feed.

Coop/run flock:
These youngsters start getting the meat bird crumbles immediately after they leave the brooder. They are only fed this for a few weeks/months before butchering, but 6mo old cockerels have a process weight up to 6.5-7lbs with an average wt of 6lbs. This is nearly 1lb heavier that birds of same age fed layer pellets.

Alternative would be to feed a flock raiser feed (higher protein) and a side of oyster shells for the eggs.

Note: the crumbles seem to have A LOT of fines. This is fine for the younger birds I have, but the adults don't seem to be interested in it as much, another reason I stopped using it with the adults. My local TSC and co-op fo not carry high protein pellets. If anyone knows where i can find them, please let me know.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My local TSC and co-op fo not carry high protein pellets. If anyone knows where i can find them, please let me know.

The highest protein poultry feed in pellet form at my local TSC is.

Occasionally I see this at my TSC, also a 20% Protein pellet.

GC

 

[KMS]

The 12 hours on, 12 hours off should apply to both brands when you are raising CX meatbirds, they will over eat if feed is constantly available.

For duel purpose chickens free feed them either brand. GC

Thanks, appreciate the insight!

 

[Mtnboomer]

The highest protein poultry feed in pellet form at my local TSC is.View attachment 2082942
Occasionally I see this at my TSC, also a 20% Protein pellet.View attachment 2082935
GC

I will order it. They only have flock raiser in crumbles here. Thanks!