So MANY choices!?!?

[Dianedore]

Hi Everyone!!
I am new here and new to raising chickens! We are getting our first 6 chicks next week! I have been looking at starter feed and there are SO many options. I would like to go corn and soy free. What do you use or recommend? Thank you!!

 

[Dephora]

I don't even think my local feed store has a corn free option! They only have a soy free option and that one they just add even more corn! lol

 

[Zodiac Acres]

Start with Nutrena Chick Starter. I swear by it.

 

[Mysticone]

I use the scratch and peck organic feed. I got a 25 pound for 39 bucks or for me since I am using it for adults too as the 5 chick's I have are too young for layers feed got the 2, 25 pound bags for 74 bucks. As great as the food is and non medicated I did have to use a coffee grinder for the first week as the pieces were ever so slightly too big. (So in essence used it for one day but a couple times to fill up the chick feeder.) Then by the end of the 12 days when I needed to fill it up again they were able to eat it with no problem.) I just liked the fact it was soy and corn free, organic and non GMO. https://www.amazon.com/Scratch-Peck-Feeds-Naturally-Verified/dp/B0068SP3V4

 

[Acre4Me]

Where are you located, generally? What feed is available to you? Are you willing to mail order it?

How important is cost to you. keep in mind an adult chicken eats approx 1/4 - 1/3 lb feed a day (more if your system allows for waste). chicks eat less, of course. But, when they are an adult you will go through X lbs of feed per day or week or month, costing $N Based on your number of chickens. Does it matter how much those eggs cost you? For some people it doesnt matter.

 

[Chloes chicks]

Hi Everyone!!
I am new here and new to raising chickens! We are getting our first 6 chicks next week! I have been looking at starter feed and there are SO many options. I would like to go corn and soy free. What do you use or recommend? Thank you!!

I don’t know what Is corn or soy free just don’t go with purina I’ve gotten chicken feed from them and when we opened the bag it was a mix of horse feed and apple treats for horses it was gross. I’ve always used nutriena and mixed in whatever “supplements” they need

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Buying at nearby feed stores is generally best, because you can check the mill date on each bag, and buy within four weeks every time. Ordering online will cost more and you have no control over freshness. It matters!
I have no idea what happened with Chloe's bag of Purina, it's strange! I've use the Purina Flock Raiser for decades, it's great, and fresh where I shop.
Corn and soy free? Why? If you personally are allergic to either, it makes sense. Otherwise, I don't get it. You will be limited in feed choices, so do some shopping and comparing ASAP.
There are two problems with feeds that include whole grains: one, some birds will eat the yummy bits, and ignore the rest, so are malnourished, and chicks need grit immediately if eating anything except crumble or mash type feeds.
Spend time shopping now! Online store sites will tell you what local stores should carry, but won't show mill dates, so for that visiting in person is necessary.
Mary