Organic vs conventional feed?

[Bryant Redhawk]

Organic feeds aren't actually pesticide or herbicide free, there are several chemicals that are allowed under the USDA Certified Organic guide lines (and that is mostly what they are since it is private sector inspectors that do the certifying of farms not the USDA).
Most of the "regular" feeds are just about as chemical free as the Certified Organic feeds.
Our farm is considered "Better than Organic" simply because we don't use any chemicals anywhere, we don't use wormers either, we use herbal remedies and herbal worming, our layers free range all day and their treats are meal worms, tomato horn worms and home grown fruits and veggies which means they are never exposed to any chemicals. A heavy bug portion of their food makes the yolks orange or dark yellow, depends on what type of bugs are being eaten the most at that time, right now they are eating a lot of grass hoppers.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I'm sure this topic has been discussed somewhere, but would you weigh in on organic vs. conventional feed on egg quality and chicken health? We have been feeding Nutrena organic (non GMO) 16% layer pellets with some free range time each day and our 6 birds are doing great, however organic is 2x the cost of similar conventional feed and we are not getting enough eggs out of our small flock to justify the cost unless the eggs are healthier/safer...

When in doubt about your business decisions do what David Schilling and Enron did, lie.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...98&param1=20160424&p=enron+scandal&type=adnor

In other words lie to yourself about the benefits of feeding Organic chicken feed. Nowadays honest and truthful facts and discussion is passay, instead "Just do it" "Go for the gusto" or "The last one in is a rotten egg" in short lie, because it has become the new American way.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I don't know if that was directed at me, but I'm not putting anybody down, just asking an honest question, that I'd really like to know.

Not directed at you. Just an observation & I see my point has been proven. I have used both conventional & organic & don't have a problem with either. My chickens have done well on both.

 

[Capoken]

I would not be so adamant about organic if Non-GMO conventional feed was available. But if you want non-GMO, you have to go organic. I also prefer to reduce my chemical nitrogen footprint which is a big environmental problem from conventional farming. I also see Monsanto as evil and I do not want to perpetuate their carcinogenic Round Up use. I am an avid vegetable gardener, which is how my organic philosophy was cemented. When it came time to raise chickens, there was never a doubt in my mind as to which way I would go.