Which feed-once and for all!!! HELP ME DECIDE!

[saraiquimby1]

Okay guys. I need help figuring out what to feed once and for all.
Have a flock of chickens, hens 1-3 years old, and one rooster. Also have 15 chicks in the basement heading outside in the next month or so.
What the heck should I feed. I read don't feed layer feed, feed high protein, feed this, feed that. And I can't decide.
So once and for all please help me. Or does it even matter?
I've been feeding Nutrena's Feather Fixer for about a year with free choice oyster/egg shells. They do alright. Everyone eats well and such but is that ok or is there something better? I read that the calcium in that feed is too high for roosters, and that's news to me... is that true?
Here are my options. We are limited. I just want to find a good feed and be done.

We are also possibly adding turkeys to the mix this spring. Can feed them separately but will eating chicken feed hurt and vice versa?
I'm not including Layer Feeds because I know my roosters shouldn't really eat it, and it's not high protein anyway apparently.


Nutrena Feather Fixer. 18% Protein, 3% Calcium

Nutrena All Flock 18% Protein, 1-2% Calcium

Nutrena Chick Starter/Grower 18% Protein, 0.8-1.3% Calcium

Dumor Chick Starter 24% Protein, 1-1.5% Calcium. (Or 20% Protein Chick Starter/Grower)

Purina Flock Raiser 20% Protein, 0.8-1.3% Calcium

Pretty much I have access to Dumor, Nutrena, and Purina feeds. What the heck do I feed my chickens lol

EDITED TO ADD: MY GIRLS ARE CURRENTLY ON PELLETS BUT HAVE EATEN CRUMBLES FINE IN THE PAST. I FIND MY FEEDERS DONT WASTE MUCH EITHER WAY. AGAIN, I HAVE OYSTER SHELL OUT FOR THEM ALL THE TIME ANYWAY.

 

[Doug63]

Coyote creek is great feed

 

[Doug63]

Coyote creek is great feed

Starter developer with oyster shell on the side for all your birds

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I assume you want to use one feed for the entire flock. That's what I do and life can be that simple if we don't overthink it.

You need crumbles for chicks until around 10 weeks of age. Put the entire flock on non medicated all flock crumble feed. From above that includes Purina all flock, Nature Wise starter/grower or Dumor starter/grower. Double check the starter/grower isn't medicated. I'm pretty sure the Dumor starter is.

Once your chicks are old enough (10-12 weeks) to take pellet form you can switch the entire flock over to Nature Wise all flock pellet if you want. Many of us find pellet feed to be far less wasteful and less taken by wildlife. or keep them on crumble, it's up to you.

All you have to do is ensure non medicated if crumble form and to keep a dish of oyster shell out for the actively laying hens regardless the all flock type feed you use. Yup, it's that easy.

I use a starter/grower for crumble in spring because we hatch chicks. By summer they are on turkey/gamebird finisher as it's in pellet form.

 

[Folly's place]

I feed Flock Raiser to everyone, with oyster shell on the side. I'd prefer the FR pelleted feed, but nobody around here stocks it.
Generally an all-flock feed is a good choice, or the starter-grower, unmedicated. I would check the mill dates on each feed bag, and get bags that are four weeks old or newer every time. If one brand in fresher more often, go with that.
Mary

 

[Chickassan]

The purina flock raiser, its good for everyone and they'll actually eat it. Not too expensive and easy to find too.

 

[blackdog043]

Generally an all-flock feed is a good choice, or the starter-grower, unmedicated. I would check the mill dates on each feed bag, and get bags that are four weeks old or newer every time. If one brand in fresher more often, go with that.
Mary

I use starter/grower

 

[igorsMistress]

I feed starter grower with oyster shell and crushed egg shells on the side. Fine for everyone so you don't have to pull your hair out thinking about it.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I like 18/20% Protein for egg layers and duel purpose chickens. From day old chicks right up through adulthood.
I feed a medicated Start & Grow up to 10 weeks and non medicated Start & Grow or All-Flock/Flock Raiser till point of lay. (Large red combs, squatting, curious about nest boxes and fidgety behavior).
I don't have any Cockerels/Roosters but if I did he would get 18/20% Protein layers feed when the hens do, at point of lay.
I plan to get chicks in March/April, and cull/eat my current flock at 28 months, in August when the new flock starts to lay.
I am partial to Nutrena Naturewise feeds because they have a 18% Protein layers feed. But I fed Purina Start & Grow to my chicks because I could get it medicated and in 25# bags, for my small flock of 5 chicks.
If I had a mixed flock young and old, I would feed an All-Flock/Flock Raiser or Starter-Grower at 18/20 percent Protein with Oyster Shell in a separate container. GC

 

[21hens-incharge]

I think it boils down to what works for one may or may not work for another.

Some feeds are harder to get in some areas.
Some breeds may do better on this feed vs that feed.
Treats that person A gives may be different then treats person B gives and we all know treats alter the nutrition the birds are getting.

Read the labels, look for quality ingredients, pay attention to what treats you give and how much, and keep oyster shell available. Always check the mill dates to make sure you are getting fresh feed.

Above all if your birds are behaving healthy, maintaining a good weight, giving you eggs and are parasite free then all is well.