What's your opinion on the most natural feed?

[jbofky]

I'd love to feed my layers and red rangers organic feed. But I've called every feed store within about 50 miles, and had no luck. And I can't afford to mail order it for $30+ per bag. The closest thing that I've found is a local Amish mill that custom mixes theirs with non-gmo ingredients. None of them seem to be crazy about it except the corn. Layer is 14% protein and contains corn, soybeans, oats, oyster shell, layer mineral, molasses. Grower is 18% protein and contains corn, soybeans, oats, broiler mineral, and molasses. I'm also concerned that it could be lacking complete nutritional needs.
A feed store in town has Naturewise. http://m.nutrenaworld.com/products/poultry/naturewise-poultry/
Tractor Supply carries Purina. http://m.tractorsupply.com/en/store...rue&bCrumbCatIds=,141&Purina®+(17)=Purina

%5E17%5Eads_f4_ntk_cs%3APurina%26reg%3B&brandFacet=Purina

My goal is to find the healthiest, most natural diet for them any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[keesmom]

Well, the most natural diet for them would be to free range. As for organic/non-GMO feed, where are you located? Maybe you can ask on your state thread where people find it. Around here it runs $28-36 per 50 lb bag and that isn't special ordered or shipped to you.

 

[jbofky]

Im in south central Kentucky. I didn't know there was a state thread somewhere, I'll try to find it. I can't free range because of the predators, but eventually I'm going to do paddocks like Paul Wheaton over at www.permies.com . I have 13 acres but it's all open grass land, no forest. So I think I'd still have to supplement with feed with the paddock system.

 

[keesmom]

In case you haven't found it here is the link to the Kentucky thread

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/110/kentucky-people/12390