What brand feed is best?

[NotableNancy]

I am researching what brand of food to feed my chickens (layers) when I get them in April. It seems I can only choose between Agway brand, Purina or Dumor as that's all I can find within 30 miles of my house. Any suggestions as to what of these 3 brands is best to feed them or just go by what is easy to get and cheapest?

 

[feeding frenzy]

All the feed stores by me in So. Cal. all carry pretty much the same brands: Kelley's and Ace Hi. I just bought my pullet and rooster Ace Hi Mexicali mix because the quality looks the best. It's not all processed crumbles but mixed with seeds, whole grains, corn, stuff that are identifiable. When I fed them this first time, they only ate grains and small seeds, threw out the crumble, big corn kernels. Now they eat everything! I also use Star Milling Co. scratch to feed them also and the chickens love them!

 

[feeding frenzy]

oops Ace Hi Mexicali Mix has pellets, not crumbles

 

[dirtsaver]

Nancy I can't speak on the Agway as we have never used it. I can tell you none of our chickens would ever eat any form of the Dumor feeds. Not starter or layer or all flock. We have finally compromised between price and quality within what's for sale around here and that is the Purina. It's not our first choice but it's what our chickens seem to eat best and they do well on it,including very hard shells and bright orange yolks. I do need to state that our birds are pastured and the commercial feed is only part of their diet.