I feed my birds the same food from hatch on. I "adjust" the protein and fat levels using things like BOSS, Calf-Manna, oats, cracked corn, flax seed, dried fruit, nuts, cat food, fish food, parrot seed mixes, table scraps, and 4 hours free range. They have free choice Purina Flock Blocks, grit, and oyster shell. I put the barley and burlap bags in all my waterers, keeps away the slim and kill germs naturally. I never give apple cider vinegar. I spot worm or medicate. I never treat the whole flock. The makes resistance.
I feed Allied Nutrition (ADM) Pen-Pals Meatmaker crumble. I never give the chicks medicated feed. Chickens are omnivores, this feed has meat in it. This is one of the most important things. It is not overloaded with soy. Soy can cause infertility on the hens side, and it will make your meat bird flesh tough. You want to make sure you feed has less then 1% methionine, this is an artificial lab created protein. It can be linked to infertility in concentrations above the 1%. Another very important thing is no extra calcium for the roosters. It can kill the kidneys............. This food is high in fat, lower in carbs. They have more vigor, look gorgeous without being in a pen, and molt quickly.
I searched for 3 years for a food that works great, for the chicken kids. You also have to consider price, availability, and the contents. Its $21.00 per 50lb bag, it only available through Herr's Feed Mill in Jonestown, and Grantville, that I know of. There is so much to consider. I think this feed covers the big items on my want list:. fertility, finish, and they actually like it! It is the only feed that all the birds have actually liked, I have a lot less waste!
Yep that tops the kilts for sure lol
