Quick Feed Question

[M Brennen]

I am wondering what everyone does regarding feed brands. Is it important to stick with the same type and brand of grain or is it okay to vary the brands?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I am wondering what everyone does regarding feed brands. Is it important to stick with the same type and brand of grain or is it okay to vary the brands?

I have had to switch a few times because of supply issues, and I haven't had problems. I'm not sure it's advised because chickens typically don't like change, but I don't think it hurts.

 

[GC-Raptor]

If feed type, (crumbles vs. pellets) and (conventional vs. Soy free) is consistent and Protein is within 2%, you should be fine.
I regularly switch between a 18 and a 20% crumble, whichever is available or cheaper when I'm at my local TSC. Both are Corn and Soy based with less than 2% Calcium.
I offer Oyster Shells separately for the Pullets and Hens.

GC

 

[Ridgerunner]

When discussing dog food with a vet years ago the subject of brands came up. He said that any major brand worked. The dogs would do well on it. The advertising you heard on TV was just that, advertising. The nutritional value was the same. You still had to match puppy to puppies, mature to mature, but that is not a brand thing.

People can have strong opinions on dog food. They might want a high-meat, vegetarian, organic, natural, or some other description. Boy can they have strong opinions. And of course everyone's opinion is the right one where everyone else's opinion is wrong. That's an advertiser's dream, they just have to fill a niche.

I look at chicken feed the same way. If you look at the analysis of nutrients on the label you will see a lot of similarities. Calcium and protein can vary but that is to match chicks to layers to meat birds to whatever you want to match. The ingredients list can vary a lot. Some of us like a meat-based protein, some run from that. Some want organic or something else. Any of them will provide the nutrition but many of us have strong opinions on ingredients. I do too, I like at least some meat based protein.

I try to stick with the same brand of feed. It's what is available so why change if you don't have to. I fed my entire flock the same thing. If I have baby chicks in the flock they all get Starter. Once the chicks get to a certain size they all get Grower. Oyster shell is offered separately. On rare occasions what I want is not available so I buy a different brand. To me what is important is analysis much more than the brand.