Experts informed PolitiFact there was no evidence of the addition of RNA into commercial chicken feed or that its addition is the reason behind flocks suddenly decreasing egg production. Instead, management mistakes, improper nutrition for poultry flocks, parasite infection or disease risk or stress were likely more likely culprits for decreased production than any potential addition of RNA into commercial feed.
Contents
NatureWise
Nutrena NatureWise poultry feed contains high levels of protein and calcium for optimal chicken development, plus added kelp for extra iodine supplementation. You can purchase this high-quality feed at many farm supply stores or online.
This brand offers a selection of poultry feeds tailored specifically to all stages of chickens’ lives, from chick starter grower feed to layer feed and meat bird food. Their Chick Starter Grower Feed features a special mixture that includes FlockShield Healthy Flock Support to ensure chicks have an ideal start in life, along with essential oils that promote immunity and Yucca schidigera extract for controlling manure odor.
This 16% protein layer feed is designed for laying hens. Packed with vitamin D3 and essential oils to promote healthier hens and eggs, as well as chelated minerals and calcium for superior eggshell strength and more vibrant yolks, its pellet form encourages healthy pecking behavior while decreasing feed waste.
FlockShield
Chicks require food that contains high levels of protein for healthy development and strong growth, along with natural* essential oils like oregano, thyme, rosemary and star anise that promote gut health and support young birds’ immune systems while simultaneously helping reduce any odorous manure odor. This feed provides these benefits.
This layer feed has been expertly formulated for balanced nutrition in free-range or home-raised flocks, featuring optimal calcium levels to promote strong eggshells as well as essential vitamins and nutrients such as fiber, lysine, phosphorus, protein and fatty acids. Furthermore, FlockShield features probiotics, prebiotics, yeast culture extract and essential oils which populate your gut with good bacteria that aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
This feed includes purple corn, which provides your chickens with an appealing burst of color while simultaneously helping control manure odor. Furthermore, yucca schidigera extract may help minimize manure odor.
Hearty Hen
An excellent commercial feed will provide your flock with all of the nutrition it needs for peak performance. Packed full of protein and amino acids from grains, insects, grubs, vegetables and more; this allows hens to easily convert it to energy production and egg production. Plus it may include vitamins minerals essential oils to support digestive health.
A proper laying ration should include sources of calcium such as coarse oyster shell or limestone, to build strong bones and strengthen egg shells. Hens with low Vitamin D3 levels tend to consume more food overall and may end up producing eggs with thinner shells than usual.
Before chicks begin laying, start giving them starter feed; gradually transition them to grower food around six weeks of age; once eggs begin being produced, switch over to layer feed (20-24% protein content). A good quality layer feed should ensure maximum energy and health throughout their lives.
Layer
Complete chicken layer feed contains a combination of protein, calcium and other vital nutrients designed to promote optimal flock performance and produce nutritious eggs. Look for 16-18% protein and 3.25% calcium when selecting your poultry layer feed.
Choose the proper chicken feed for your flock is just as essential to its success as selecting its breed of birds or coop. Baby chicks should initially receive starter/grower feed until they reach laying age, at which point you should switch them over to layer pellets or crumbles.
Pellet and crumble chicken feeds are designed to be nutritionally complete meals for poultry, but their textures vary significantly. Chickens often prefer crunchy texture of crumbles foraging for them with natural instinct. If feeding mixed-age hens, offering free-choice feeding of Mile Four grit and crushed oyster shell (available separately) will give them enough extra calcium needed for egg production.
