Raising healthy chickens that produce an abundance of eggs for you requires the correct type of feed. That is why it is essential to understand the different kinds of chicken food available and their differences.
What type of feed you choose for your chicken depends on a few factors, like its age and what purpose you are raising it for. Whether you want to raise meat, eggs or both – there’s a chicken feed suitable for all needs.
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Choosing the Right Type of Feed
Selecting the appropriate type of feed is paramount for your chickens’ health and wellbeing. They require a balanced diet with all essential nutrients to grow and thrive.
When purchasing chicken food for your flock, opt for a premium brand that contains all necessary nutrition as well as omega 3 fatty acids.
Some feeds are fermented to add probiotics and make it easier for birds to digest. You can buy these from a range of retailers.
Budget
Maintaining your chickens with a nutritious diet is essential for successful egg production. On average, laying hens require 15 pounds of feed per week and 60 pounds per month to thrive.
Good news is there are ways to save money on your chicken feeding bill. For starters, sprout some seeds in their regular food to give them extra vitamins and minerals.
Medicated feeds are another option, which can help prevent fowl diseases from spreading in your flock. They’re usually more cost-effective than their non-medicated counterparts, so depending on what your specific needs are, this may be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. Other major costs associated with keeping a flock include water, bedding and grit.
Organic
Organic chicken feed is composed of grains and other ingredients grown naturally, such as corn, soybeans or wheat; however they must not have been contaminated with pesticides or herbicides.
Organic farmers typically employ crop rotation and cover crops to improve soil fertility over time. While this can be a labor-intensive process, it results in healthier crops in the long run.
Organic wheat, barley, peas, flaxseed meal, molasses fish meal and sesame oil are combined to form organic chicken feed. This provides your feathered friends with all of the essential nutrients they need for growth and wellbeing.
Soy Free
A nutritious feed can make all the difference for a healthy flock. When shopping for poultry food, opt for premium brands free from additives and preservatives that are high in protein, vitamins & minerals as well as being palatable to chickens in pellet, crumble or grain form.
Soy is often included as a filler ingredient in chicken feed, and while it may be the cheapest source of protein, there are some health advantages to going corn-free. Plus, using soy-free feed reduces the amount of genetically modified maize your birds are eating – another major advantage for green chicken keepers! Choosing the correct premium chicken food is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make and will keep your flock content and healthy.
Corn Free
If you want your chickens away from corn but still require a complete feed, look for one that is corn free. This type of feed helps ensure your birds remain healthy and productive by giving them all the essential nutrients for growth, healthy eating habits, and stunning eggs.
At Smith Farm Supply, we offer several varieties of corn free premium chicken feed that are free from herbicides and pesticides, non-medicated, and contain a large number of vitamins and supplements. Plus, these feeds feature non-GMO ground corn – an added bonus! These feeds come in both grower formula and layer formula forms; they’re high in protein, fat, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, salt and more for your poultry needs.
