Scratch & Peck vs. Kalmbach

[littlegardenhomestead]

I’m trying to decide what brand of feed to stick with for my chickens. I started out using Scratch and Peck starter crumble feed, but at $49.99 for a 25 lb bag, it feels really expensive, especially when I’ve been looking into Kalmbach starter feed is $20.99 for 25 lbs.

I noticed Scratch and Peck lists whole grains as the first ingredients, while Kalmbach’s is corn-based. I’m not sure how much that actually matters. I originally wanted to feed my flock organic, but after going through just one bag, I’m realizing how quickly the cost is going to add up, so now I’m considering switching to Kalmbach starter than moving into Kalmbach grower.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, would you swap to Kalmbach or stick with the Scratch and Peck organic feed option. I’m feeling a bit stuck on what direction to go before buying my next bag. Also should I slowly mix the two before swapping them to another feed? They are almost 4 weeks old. They will not be free ranging due to flying predators, and they will have a chicken run. Thanks!

 

[nuthatched]

Kalbach is the much better feed, scratch n peck is a"bougie, designer" feed. mediocre nutrition at a high price.
When it comes to animal feeds, organic is typically inferior nutritionally speaking, than normal feed. It's just a marketing tool.

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

I’m trying to decide what brand of feed to stick with for my chickens. I started out using Scratch and Peck starter crumble feed, but at $49.99 for a 25 lb bag, it feels really expensive, especially when I’ve been looking into Kalmbach starter feed is $20.99 for 25 lbs.

I noticed Scratch and Peck lists whole grains as the first ingredients, while Kalmbach’s is corn-based. I’m not sure how much that actually matters. I originally wanted to feed my flock organic, but after going through just one bag, I’m realizing how quickly the cost is going to add up, so now I’m considering switching to Kalmbach starter than moving into Kalmbach grower.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, would you swap to Kalmbach or stick with the Scratch and Peck organic feed option. I’m feeling a bit stuck on what direction to go before buying my next bag. Also should I slowly mix the two before swapping them to another feed? They are almost 4 weeks old. They will not be free ranging due to flying predators, and they will have a chicken run. Thanks!

Definetly gradually mix the two before swapping them to another feed.

 

[MichaelDJ]

Kalbach is the much better feed, scratch n peck is a"bougie, designer" feed. mediocre nutrition at a high price.
When it comes to animal feeds, organic is typically inferior nutritionally speaking, than normal feed. It's just a marketing tool.

Based on what? Any links?
Fyi: I mix my own organic grains.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I noticed Scratch and Peck lists whole grains as the first ingredients, while Kalmbach’s is corn-based. I’m not sure how much that actually matters.

We all have our own opinions on what we eat and what we feed our animals. Organic and Non-GMO can be a couple of lightning rods. Some people really hate corn or soy, some don't. I'm not going to try to tell you what you should do. This kind of stuff is up to you.

For some people, ingredients are super critical. Personally I don't worry about it that much. I look at the analysis which shows the nutrients supplied, things like protein, fiber, fats, and others. As long as the nutrients are what I want I'm OK but my approach would drive some people nuts. To me, fiber does not have to come from whole grains as long as enough suitable fiber is there.

I'm more concerned with the form of the feed. If it is still in its individual ingredients (grains instead of ground) it can separate out by specific gravity or the chickens can pick and choose what they want to eat so they are not necessarily getting the balanced diet I'd want then to have. Others might prefer the grains be served intact and not ground as it is more "natural". So many buzz-words that are so important to some people and not to others.

Personally when I switch feeds I just switch it. When I have baby chicks less than a month old in the flock they all get a higher protein feed but when they reach a month old I switch back to the regular feed. I just have not seen an issue but some people are very careful about this.

So is it OK for you to switch feeds? It depends on what your priorities are, not mine. If there is something about the more expensive feed that makes it worth it to you then it is worth it to you. There are enough people buying it that the company keeps making it. You won't be alone.

I probably should not tell this story but I will. Several years ago when I suggested using rocks in a chick waterer so they don't get in the water and get soaked I was told I do not love my chickens enough. Instead of using something free I should spend the money and buy pretty marbles to use instead of rocks. Some of us just have different priorities.