Will NOT be buying TSC feeds again

[jerseygirl1]

OK,now I know not to buy feed from TSC - Has anyone heard of F.M. Brown's??

 

[Portalguy]

Quote:
Well, I found one. It's on order; assuming that the company stays in business long enough to ship it, I'll give some feedback on it later.

http://www.grainmaker.com

Now easily grind small to large grains, coffee beans, legumes, corn, rice, peanuts and more. This single machine is versatile enough to handle a wide range of foods.

Homesteaders, bakeries, beer makers, Amish communities, senior
citizens, the health conscious - anyone concerned about economic conditons and providing safe, healthy food for their family enjoys using this mill.

The GrainMaker is designed and built in Montana by machinists and tool and die makers with more than fifty years of experience. The body of the mill is machined, not cast, for added strength.

* Large, 4 cup hopper capacity

* Sealed bearings for smooth maintenance free operation

* Adjustable for coarse to fine grinding of grains

* Powder coated exterior

* 24 pound total weight

* Converts to alternate power or motor operation


We're so sure you'll be satisfied with quality, craftsmanship and durability of the GrainMaker mill that we offer a limited lifetime warranty on all parts, including the burrs.
Every GrainMaker mill is hand-crafted and thoroughly tested in our Montana shop, not mass produced. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[Portalguy]

Quote:
Gosh, sounds like wine suppliers. You'd think that pet chickens would be treated better than children who get microwaved non-food filler in burritos and CrackDonalds...

 

[Cindy in PA]

I had used FM Brown's for years and am about to go back to it. I have never been happy with the Purina or TSC or anything I have used since. My chickens always did well on Brown's, but I last used it in 2004. I just called their mill recently and was told they still use animal protein, so I hope the girl was right. I was quoted a price of $11.57 (not sure exactly), but I remember when it was $7 a bag! I pay about $12.50 for purina. Brown's is my local mill.

 

[threehorses]

I've heard good things about Blue Seal foods, although they're not readily available here near me.

The standard here is Purina lines. But I have used some Nutrena poultry/game feeds that I felt were exceptional! In fact, I had started some chicks on a locally milled starter, MG, which I hate honestly. I switched them to a Nutrena game starter (because I had goslings, poults, and chicks all at once in separate areas of course) and I was amazed! It smelled so beautiful - fresh, very strongly of fresh ingredients. The crumble size was lovely, easy for them to eat, and slightly larger so you have less nutrient loss. The chicks feathered out beautifully!

Because the feedstore that sold it was a little far, I switched back to MG during the grower stage and after two weeks I realize it was a mistake. I'm going to make the drive for the Nutrena because it was lovely.

I've raised some show birds before (before raccoons judged that they were the tastiest) and am about to restart a show line. I was lucky enough to get two birds ribbons in nationals, and I hope to again. But I didn't have the advantage of this feed now. I sure will be using it on my new breeders and chicks.

Boy, do I sound likea commercial for them or what? HA! Seriously - I'm ultra ULTRA picky about feed. And this one bowled me over.

OK, my happy-rant is over.

 

[Pick-a-LilyFarm]

Quote:
Deanne...you don't live too far from Milford, NH (Rt 13) and they have a Tractor Supply Store, Agway and Blue Seal Feeds all within a half mile of each other on Elm Street. Hope you find some cheaper chicken feed

I paid about $11.00 for a 50lb bag of starter at Agway, and I think I paid the same for grower....Good Luck!!

 

[scbatz33]

Quote:
Husband's employer uses Brown's. They are not bad although I think they're crimped oats and barley look more pulverized than crimped.

 

[EweSheep]

I noticed the differences in output of wastes, smell and how much has been used up per month.

I've used my local mill feed...it was a pure waste, smelly poop and eggs were pale. Med. priced.

Rural King brand feed both in layer and starter and grower, all are good for the budget but smelly and more poop. Egg yolk color is ok. Low priced.

Purina chick starter and grower and Layena, less waste, very little smell and wonderful egg yolk color. It was expensive but I didnt have to waste or go to the feed store that much.

I would stick with Purina and then Rural King if my feed store does not carry the updated Layer or Grower feeds in stock. I love their coupons but not enough to carry me thru the year!

 

[cybercat]

Update on the TSC chick starter. I am half way thru this bag and I bought it almost a week ago. Now yes I know the chicks will eat more since they are growing but really. My first bag of the Burkmanns lasted 4 weeks this will last a week maybe a week and a half. I will go back to the Burmanns to see the differance in amount consumed. I have alot of feathers in my brooder now. Some every day that I am finding, this is not good.

I actually compared formulas between the burkmanns and the Dunmors chick starters. After the 5 ingredient listing there was a big change from alfalfa meal on the Burkmanns to monocalcium phosphate with the Dunmors. Interesting to say the least concidering the results i am seeing.

 

[kathyinmo]

I found I have a Kent feed dealer in my town. I called and was told that they have a "High Flyer Breeder Egg 17%". They also sell their own 36% protein mixture, made of corn, calcium carbonate, and Oyster shells. Does that sound correct? Just corn and oysters makes 36%????

Currently I am using Purina medicated. I do not like the waste of the purely powder like consistency. BUT, I must add, my chicks look great and I really have not had any major problems.

I am interested in learning about this game bird feed that I have heard of. Is it a feed that would be good for chickens of all ages?

If you went to a mill to have custom mixture, what would you request?