What is the best commercial layer feed with the least amount of corn?

[Ariannah]

Our 9 month old free range hens started molting a month ago and are now hanging out mostly in their coop/run waiting for warmer weather and their new feathers to emerge. We have been giving them Manna Pro Chicken layer pellets and Nature Wise All flock but just don't like corn to be the first ingredient.

I don't mind giving them corn as a treat or in scratch but why does all food now seem to have corn as the first and main ingredient?

Any brand suggestions with the least amount of corn or on how to make my own feed? I want to make sure that they are getting a balanced and nutritious diet to help with their feathers and help them return to laying.

They do have unlimited access to oyster shells in their run and I give them yogurt too to help them get through the molting process. Just looking for the right brand of quality feed for when they can't forage. Preferably as natural/organic as possible.
Thank you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

There nothing wrong with corn, it's a good source of carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. I don't think you will find a feed without corn being the main ingredient, and mixing your own without it may be problematic. Most rations are completely balanced, and a healthy diet for chickens.

 

[Melky]

View attachment 1621016
Our 9 month old free range hens started molting a month ago and are now hanging out mostly in their coop/run waiting for warmer weather and their new feathers to emerge. We have been giving them Manna Pro Chicken layer pellets and Nature Wise All flock but just don't like corn to be the first ingredient.

I don't mind giving them corn as a treat or in scratch but why does all food now seem to have corn as the first and main ingredient?

Any brand suggestions with the least amount of corn or on how to make my own feed? I want to make sure that they are getting a balanced and nutritious diet to help with their feathers and help them return to laying.

They do have unlimited access to oyster shells in their run and I give them yogurt too to help them get through the molting process. Just looking for the right brand of quality feed for when they can't forage. Preferably as natural/organic as possible.
Thank you.

Scratch n Peck has no corn no soy options

Big Sky has no corn no soy 16 % layer mash from Azure Standard

Hi land Naturals has a no soy option

Nature’s Best has a no soy option ( TSC)

All organic non GMO feeds

The top two only ones that I know that have no corn no soy options.

I myself have Big Sky and my chickens love it but had to wait till on layer feed for the no corn no soy option in organic feeds. This was cheaper even with shipping than Scratch n Peck.

Others may know more. Regionally this may vary.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

How about trying some of....... THIS!! I remember seeing a representative of this company chiming in on some feed threads, perhaps he can let you in on how they make their feed so you can rest assure you are getting the best quality out there. Plus it would be nice to support a company that actually comes onto these forums to listen to what consumers like us have to say.

HERE : http://www.greenmountainfeeds.com/

 

[Ariannah]

Scratch n Peck has no corn no soy options

Big Sky has no corn no soy 16 % layer mash from Azure Standard

Hi land Naturals has a no soy option

Nature’s Best has a no soy option ( TSC)

All organic non GMO feeds

The top two only ones that I know that have no corn no soy options.

I myself have Big Sky and my chickens love it but had to wait till on layer feed for the no corn no soy option in organic feeds. This was cheaper even with shipping than Scratch n Peck.

Others may know more. Regionally this may vary.

Thanks so much! I just looked them up and I like Big Sky and will keep it in mind when we have a larger flock. For now, Scatch n Peck seems to be our best choice because for 2 bags of 25 lbs we don't have to pay any shipping if ordered through Chewy. Thanks again for your very helpful info!

 

[centrarchid]

I am not aware of commercial chicken feeds that do not contain corn or corn products. Corn is used because of cost. It is possible to have a local feed miller that makes smaller batches of feed that are custom for a premium price. My local feed supplier is able to make batches I formulate of 500 lbs or greater.

If I were to use alternatives to corn, they would include wheat (only seasonally available here owing to storage issues), millet (hard to get now as most producers here use it directly on farm as part of animals feeds they make), or oats which can cause poopy problems when used at too high a level.

Are able to find someone that can formulate a custom chicken feed for you?

 

[centrarchid]

I wish for more feed stuff options a lot. We are suffering from reduction diversity of row crops in a given region as related to economics of big agriculture. The organic folks in some ways have a leg up on that.

 

[Melky]

Thanks so much! I just looked them up and I like Big Sky and will keep it in mind when we have a larger flock. For now, Scatch n Peck seems to be our best choice because for 2 bags of 25 lbs we don't have to pay any shipping if ordered through Chewy. Thanks again for your very helpful info!

No problem! Glad to help and it worked out for you.

 

[RoosterML]

I second Green Mountain Feed for organic. If available in your area. I priced them out and seemed very reasonable. Keep in mind that freshness/mill date also go into being "the best" you can get.

 

[Ariannah]

How about trying some of....... THIS!! I remember seeing a representative of this company chiming in on some feed threads, perhaps he can let you in on how they make their feed so you can rest assure you are getting the best quality out there. Plus it would be nice to support a company that actually comes onto these forums to listen to what consumers like us have to say.

HERE : http://www.greenmountainfeeds.com/

Thanks I like that they have a soy free but they all have corn as first ingredient. At least they are organic and Non-GMO. That is great so I will put them as #3 on my list.