What other feeds?

[Shamo Hybrid]

I'm somewhat new to chicken, just acquired a pair (rooster and hen) and was just wondering, do chickens really need a variety of feed? Right now, all I have them eating are cracked corn...... just wondering what else out there I could feed them, are chicken 'scratch' different? Do they provide other nutrients that cracked corn alone doesn't have? Tips on any type of feed for my chickens would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[chickengirl778]

Cracked corn is like chicken candy.
They need a layer feed!!! Cracked corn should NOT be their only food!
I recommend Scratch and Peck feed or any other layer formula is fine but only cracked corn is like if all you ever ate was Milky Ways.
They also need grit (small stones) for digestion and oyster shell for calcium, which they need for eggshells

 

[chickengirl778]

Other supplements such as probiotic powder can also be added to food or water but are certainly not essential. I recommend black oil sunflower seeds as a healthy treat - they are a good source of protein, but still a treat. Treats should not be more than 10% of their diet.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Cracked corn is like chicken candy.
They need a layer feed!!! Cracked corn should NOT be their only food!
I recommend Scratch and Peck feed or any other layer formula is fine but only cracked corn is like if all you ever ate was Milky Ways.
They also need grit (small stones) for digestion and oyster shell for calcium, which they need for eggshells

Hey girl, thanks for responding...... I think my hen might be laying eggs soon already, so I don't think I will be needing oyster shells or specially blended egg laying food? Reason I say that is, I don't want to buy a 50 lb bag just for her alone as she is the only hen (also have a rooster)....... but I think I might run over and get me some 'chicken scratch' to mix it up a bit for the pair.

 

[chickengirl778]

I think you can buy smaller bags if that's helpful....
It's really not healthy for your chickens to eat only scratch and corn, they will get overweight and be more likely to get sick or have other health problems

 

[CCUK]

If you can get purina flock raiser it will be fine for both your hen and rooster. They will need grit and oystershell in a separate bowl or dish. Just give scratch or corn as a bit of a treat once in a while not as there main feed.

 

[newchickenmom33]

You can buy the no name 30 lb bag from tractor supply for $12. I buy feed in bulk for $0.65 per lbs from a local feed store and you just bring a bucket but you can buy as little as 5 lbs at a time... search the internet for your area... your egg quality will improve with quality feed. Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

Buy the smaller bags of feed, and an all- flock feed like Flock Raiser is an excellent choice. Oyster shell in a separate dish for the laying hen.
Always check the mill date on each bag of feed, so you are using it up within six weeks of milling. Old feed loses some vitamins, not good. It will also get rancid, but quality is lost before it's actually 'spoiled'.
Corn is a treat, not a diet, and malnourished birds don't do well.
Mary

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Do you guys think it's OK to just buy a bag of chick starter food since I will be expecting babies, and use it as the parent's primary source of food? I just don't want to buy multiple bags of food and have them laying around for a long time since I only have a pair right now.

Or if I decide to buy that flock feed, will it be sufficient enough for little chicks first meal? Will they be able to eat it as far as size goes?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Do you guys think it's OK to just buy a bag of chick starter food since I will be expecting babies, and use it as the parent's primary source of food? I just don't want to buy multiple bags of food and have them laying around for a long time since I only have a pair right now.

Or if I decide to buy that flock feed, will it be sufficient enough for little chicks first meal? Will they be able to eat it as far as size goes?

I am currently using a Non-Medicated Start & Grow in a 25# bag for my three 26 month old hens with Oyster Shells in a separate container. If you live near a TSC you can get DuMOR Starter 20% Protein in 10 and 20 pound bags.
A Flock feed crumbles 18/20% Protein is also good for chicks. Just make sure its less than 2% Calcium. GC