The term “premium chicken feed” can mean a lot of things, but what exactly does it mean? It is a brand that contains high-quality ingredients, made by a reputable manufacturer. It may not say organic, but it is likely top-quality and chemical-free. While organic products are a great option for organic chicken owners, the premium variety will most likely cost you more. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients in premium chicken feed and the differences between them.
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Ingredients in chicken feed
You may be wondering if there are any differences in the ingredients of premium chicken feed between store brands and those manufactured by leading feed manufacturers. You may be surprised to learn that store brands are just as nutritious. A bag of premium feed from a reputable source such as Tractor Supply Company contains all the essential nutrients your chicken needs for healthy growth. This feed also contains ingredients such as oyster shells, which aid in the digestion process and improve eggshell strength. Other ingredients in premium chicken feed include vitamins and minerals.
Fats are another key component of premium chicken feed. Fats not only provide energy to your chickens, but also provide essential fatty acids. Fats come from both animal and vegetable sources. Vitamins and minerals are also important to a chicken’s health and egg production. Listed below are some of the most important nutrients found in premium chicken feed. Vitamins and minerals may include vitamin D3, niacin, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium.
When it comes to purchasing poultry feed, there are many factors to consider. Although chickens are not particularly fussy, some types will reject new brands. Always test a small quantity of a new brand before switching over to a new one. While price is an important factor, the quality and nutritional content of feed can vary significantly. When purchasing feed, you may want to look at the poundage per bag when comparing prices. Most bags will hold about 50 pounds of feed, while some only contain 40 lbs.
Premium chicken feed has a variety of textures. Some are finely ground, while others have a crumbled texture that chickens will readily consume. Oatmeal is another texture that chicks may prefer. It tends to be less expensive than pellets and will dissolve faster. Medicated feeds are available to provide additional health benefits for your chickens. They often contain chemical compounds like amprolium and other antibiotics to prevent disease and promote growth.
There are several different kinds of premium chicken feed available for your flock. One of these types is called shell grit feed, and it contains crushed seashells and grains. They provide additional calcium and other nutrients to your chickens. The other type of premium feed is called layer feed, and it contains marigold petal coloring for your hens to produce dark yolks. Both types of feed have similar nutritional values, but the premium feed is more expensive.
In addition to premium quality, chicken feeds are available in a variety of textures. You can select the coarsest type for the baby chickens, while the finely ground one is best for older hens. The texture of starter crumbles is ideal for young chicks, and is made of 20 to 24 percent protein. It tends to scatter when the chicks fling them around.
Cost of scratch chicken feed
Commercially available scratch is more expensive than homemade, but it is an excellent choice if you are feeding a small flock of birds. Commercial scratch is composed of cracked corn, oats, and wheat, and is ideal for those who raise a few birds. However, if you are feeding a large flock, scratch can become very expensive quickly. To make your own scratch, check out our instructions to make chicken scratch.
Whether you want to buy commercial pellets or scratch, you’ll need to compare the costs of each. The cost of commercial scratch feed varies by company, so be sure to compare prices carefully. It’s easy to compare the prices of scratch and commercial pellets. Backyard Chickens sells 50-pound bags of both. Some companies sell organic and non-organic scratch feed, and other brands charge much more. Some commercial scratch chicken feed costs as much as $30 per bag, while scratch grain can run around $10.
