Whole vs. cracked grains

[odysseychicken]

Hello,

I have been feeding my five birds New Country Organics brand feed. They seem healthy and are eating plenty so I assume they like it. They are thirteen weeks old so I am starting to think about buying layer feed. New Country Organics has both a cracked grain and a whole grain variety. Is there any reason to choose one over the other? Will the whole grains keep better? Do they offer better nutrition? Is there a negative to feeding whole grains?

Their feeds are soy free. In the whole grain they also offer a corn free option. Not sure if I care if they eat corn or not. I don't necessarily buy into the whole corn = heat theory.

Thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Whole grains don't lose nutrition as fast as cracked. The downside is that they may pick out the whole grain and leave the goodies behind with the added amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

It is too soon to start layer. Wait till they're at least 18 weeks. I wouldn't do it till they start laying.

 

[odysseychicken]

Thanks for the response.

I am not going to start the layer until they begin to lay. I am just starting to think about which layer to use. I will need to order it and I will want it on hand when they do start laying. I will probably order in late February.