Scratch grains and corn are excellent energy sources for flocks. But they should only be offered in small amounts as treats; to thrive successfully, laying hens require high-quality complete feed that contains at least 17% protein.
Our corn free chicken feed contains wheat, peas, triticale, milo, barley, redmond conditioner, sun-dried alfalfa and kelp. In addition, it includes calcium for egg shell strength.
Contents
Protein
Corn is the primary protein source in chicken feed. While its high carbohydrate content provides energy for poultry, it doesn’t supply them with all the essential vitamins and minerals they require for optimal health.
To compensate, many commercial chicken feeds contain fish meal, an excellent source of protein as well as calcium and phosphorus. Some also include soybean meal which provides some protein but isn’t as easily digestible for poultry health as corn-based feed.
Other protein sources in chicken feeds include wheat, peas, sunflower seed meal, canola meal, milo meal, limestone powder, barley sun-dried alfalfa redmond conditioner and kelp. Some laying feeds even contain linseed oil for extra omega 3’s!
Fat
Corn is a high-energy feed ingredient designed to promote growth and performance in poultry birds. As well as being an excellent source of protein and other vitamins and minerals, it may lead to weight gain as well as other health concerns in these creatures if used too frequently or unbalanced with other ingredients.
Cracked corn should only be consumed as part of a balanced diet for laying hens, which requires at least 17% protein in her diet to thrive. Eating only cracked corn won’t do; for optimal egg production use a soy- and corn-free layer feed instead, designed with grains, Fertrell Poultry NutriBalancer cold-pressed oils and calcium for maximum egg health benefits.
Fiber
Poultry feeds typically contain large amounts of cellulose and hemicellulose fiber, which helps in digestion while improving gut health and contributing to increased nutrient absorption.
Corn is an abundant source of carbohydrates that provide energy to poultry, making it an excellent and cost-effective feed ingredient for poultry producers. Furthermore, its versatility makes it suitable to be combined with other feed ingredients to create an overall diet tailored specifically to meet each poultry’s dietary requirements.
Poultry feed made with corn can be susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, which has an adverse impact on animal health and productivity. Proper storage and handling practices can reduce mycotoxin risks; supplementing it with other feed ingredients also can reduce mycotoxin exposure – taking these precautions will ensure the safety of poultry feed while increasing profitability among poultry farmers.
Vitamins
Chickens need to eat a variety of food sources in order to obtain all of the vitamins and minerals required for good health, such as feed or foraged plants or supplements.
Flocks enjoy foraging instincts that keep them active throughout their days, keeping them active and alert throughout the day. At Small Pet Select we offer Certified Organic, Non-GMO Corn & Soy Free Layer Feed to provide your flock with all of the essential nutrition they require for healthy lives.
This feed includes proteins from barley, wheat and oats as well as kelp, organic alfalfa and Poultry Nutri-Balancer for optimal performance in egg production stages. Furthermore, its special calcium addition ensures strong egg shells. Providing ample calcium is key in creating strong egg shells. A great choice for laying hens in their egg production stage!
Minerals
Chickens rely on minerals for healthy bodily systems and functioning. While some of their needs can be fulfilled through sources like grit, water and greens, most must come from their food supply.
Minerals are essential sources of calcium, phosphorous and other trace nutrients, often included in protein sources like soybean meal, fishmeal, sunflower seed meal, rapeseed meal and organic field peas as well as cold-water and geothermally dried kelp meal.
This soy/corn-free feed for laying hens provides at least 17% guaranteed protein and includes methionine and natural lysine as well as calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Linseed oil provides additional sources of omega 3’s while oyster shell powder further strengthens egg strength.
