Purina chicken feed.

[llombardo]

We have rain everyday now. One of my chicks doesn't look very happy, most of the time he just sitting in the corner sleepy. Which is why I decided to treat everybody with the Purina Start & Grow Medicated Feed Crumbles.

I went to a chicken chat with a nutritionist from Purina. I'm almost positive that he said you shouldn't swurch from reg to medicated. You can switch from medicated to regular.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Why are you mixing it water? I just give it to mine dry in a separate bowl from thier water dish. Are they bantys?

Absolutely no waste when it's wet and my birds love it. Plus they get hydrated when eating it. And it's fun to watch them smacking their lips. I don't do dry feed anymore.

 

[so lucky]

Do you check the mill date when you buy a bag of feed? Just because it is a new bag from the feed store doesn't mean it hasn't sat there for a year or more.

Well, that is certainly true, and although I didn't check the mill date, it was that more expensive kind...supreme or premium...that they didn't normally carry. I had to call ahead to make sure they would get a bag in for me.
You know, some of that feed smells like chemicals. I wouldn't blame a chicken for not eating it.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I never go to feed stores without first walking down the aisle and checking the mill date of all the feed. Then I decide which bags under 2 months old that contain the protein and calcium percentages I need. Then I may differentiate based on ingredients but the first two tell the tale.
The dark specks may have been alfalfa. None of it looked like mold to me and there is no way I would trust the opinion of a feed store employee.
The feed store by my house only carries one brand of layer and one brand of start&grow. The former is normally fresh because there are lots of people around here with small flocks of layers. However, locals only have chicks in spring so their starter can be as old as a year. I quit asking what the mill date is when they told me, "you don't want to buy it".
To get fresh feed, I have to cross the bridge into the next state. The TSC there is good about rotating product to maintain freshness but they are a little higher in price. The Farm & Home is much less expensive and has the best selection, but if I don't check the mill date, I could be buying old feed.
Everybody's nose is different so I wouldn't put a lot of faith in that. A reputable brand that is fresh and the correct protein and calcium levels (determined from the guaranteed analysis tag) is all that concerns me.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

double post

 

[ChickenCanoe]

triple post

 

[ChickenCanoe]

quadruple post

 

[llombardo]

Why are you mixing it water? I just give it to mine dry in a separate bowl from thier water dish. Are they bantys?

I offer mine dry and mixed with water. They always go for and finish the bowl with feed mixed with water first. I have one that has an issue with its beak so the wet will always be offered because it's better for her and easier and I know they are hydrated.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I mix with water. That way I know they are getting plenty of water, and they can’t throw it around as easily. Also, the “fines” which might just be dust from the feed but also might be added vitamins and minerals, don’t get lost easily, but eaten up in the wet mash.

 

[Rammy]

I offer mine dry and mixed with water. They always go for and finish the bowl with feed mixed with water first. I have one that has an issue with its beak so the wet will always be offered because it's better for her and easier and I know they are hydrated.

Oh, ok. Makes sense.