Pellets

[Iva S.]

I’m thinking of switching my chickens from grain to pellets. What are some good brands of pelleted food?

 

[lissalischicks]

I think you are going to get a variety of answers and it also depends on the are you live. I have seen suggestions but they don't carry them in my are or the feed store doesn't exist where I am. I think most of the major brands are all about the same. I use Nutrena but then found my local feed store is partnered with them and they repackage the same food with the feed store brand for about $5 less a bag.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi.

Brand doesn't really matter... they are all formulated to meet the needs of chickens. If you have only been doing grain without supplementing vitamins and such... I suspect you will see huge improvement in the overall condition of their health!

I like to use Purina flock raiser with about 20% protein and only 1% calcium. I supply oyster shell in the side for the extra calcium the layers need. I do this because I have both genders and chicks all the way to broody's. So everybody get enough protein but not too much calcium for those that don't need it.

Protein and calcium content will be the 2 major difference between any of the feed regardless if labeled layer, grower, starter, breeder, all flock. Just confusing words. If you have light breed like leghorn, 16-18% protein is good. If heavier like Reds, Rocks, Wyandotte.. 18-20% protein is more sufficient even though they will be OK at the 16% level. What is key is checking the mill date on the bottom seem of the bag and trying not to get anything older than 6 weeks for freshness and nutrient retention. I read labels and chose what sounds like the best ingredient... or the best of what is available to me, that I can afford. Some brands won't be available everywhere. I personally don't like Dumor (I think a TSC brand) as too many people seem to report poor condition of their birds. Though there may be more factors directly related to how many treats they feed or their other husbandry practices.

Any formulated ration you pick *should* be better than straight grains... because it has added vitamins, minerals, and importantly amino acids.

Fancy bags mean nothing. The less fancy bags often have the probiotics or other stuff claimed by the pretty ones but didn't spend the $ to advertise it... and MANY product are still owned by the parent company Purina, such as Nutrena and some generic brands as well.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think you are going to get a variety of answers and it also depends on the are you live. I have seen suggestions but they don't carry them in my are or the feed store doesn't exist where I am. I think most of the major brands are all about the same. I use Nutrena but then found my local feed store is partnered with them and they repackage the same food with the feed store brand for about $5 less a bag.

Agreed. Almost all major brands are good quality feeds. They all base the feeds on the same nutritional research.
Just pay attention to the mill date on the bag. I'll switch brands if the store has fresher feed of one brand than the last one I bought.
Definitely switch from grain to pellets. Pellets are a far superior way to feed. Virtually every bite is nutritionally balanced for the age of bird it is intended to feed.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Hi.

Brand doesn't really matter... they are all formulated to meet the needs of chickens. If you have only been doing grain without supplementing vitamins and such... I suspect you will see huge improvement in the overall condition of their health!

I like to use Purina flock raiser with about 20% protein and only 1% calcium. I supply oyster shell in the side for the extra calcium the layers need. I do this because I have both genders and chicks all the way to broody's. So everybody get enough protein but not too much calcium for those that don't need it.

Protein and calcium content will be the 2 major difference between any of the feed regardless if labeled layer, grower, starter, breeder, all flock. Just confusing words. If you have light breed like leghorn, 16-18% protein is good. If heavier like Reds, Rocks, Wyandotte.. 18-20% protein is more sufficient even though they will be OK at the 16% level. What is key is checking the mill date on the bottom seem of the bag and trying not to get anything older than 6 weeks for freshness and nutrient retention. I read labels and chose what sounds like the best ingredient... or the best of what is available to me, that I can afford. Some brands won't be available everywhere. I personally don't like Dumor (I think a TSC brand) as too many people seem to report poor condition of their birds. Though there may be more factors directly related to how many treats they feed or their other husbandry practices.

Any formulated ration you pick *should* be better than straight grains... because it has added vitamins, minerals, and importantly amino acids.

Fancy bags mean nothing. The less fancy bags often have the probiotics or other stuff claimed by the pretty ones but didn't spend the $ to advertise it... and MANY product are still owned by the parent company Purina, such as Nutrena and some generic brands as well.

Looks like we were posting simultaneously.
Like minds -

 

[Iva S.]

Thank you all for the advice. I’ll be going to Callaghan’s tomorrow since they’re closed today. I’ve got Leghorns (both genders & chicks) so helpful to know about the protein

 

[theoldchick]

I use Purina brand pellets as it seems to produce less stinky poop.

 

[Iva S.]

I use Purina brand pellets as it seems to produce less stinky poop.

Less stinky poop is always good

 

[Leigti]

With all the different ages of chickens you have I would suggest that whatever brand you get get the grower formula. Then have a oyster shell available on the side.

 

[lissalischicks]

Less stinky poop is always good

it is!!! I tried Dumor brand once. The poop smell was horrendous!!! We switched back to Nutren and the smell went away. I wonder what the difference was.