When it comes to feeding your flock, navigating the vast array of chicken feeds available can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, making an informed decision requires some research. At its core, finding the best feed for your birds involves considering several factors. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice, highlighting top brands and weighing the pros and cons of each option.
The 7 Best Chicken Feeds
When it comes to selecting the best chicken feed for your backyard flock, there are several options to consider. Some popular choices include Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO Backyard Chicken Feed, Coyote Creek Certified Organic Feed, and Kalmbach Feeds All Natural Layer Crumble. For those looking for organic and non-GMO options, Scratch and Peck Feeds Organic Layer Feed and Homestead Harvest Non-GMO Whole Grain Layer Blend are also great choices.
Another top pick is Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed, while Manna Pro Organic Grower Crumbles provides a nutrient-rich option for growing chickens.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Feed
Our top recommendation for high-quality chicken feed is the Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed. This exceptional product earns our highest endorsement, suitable for a wide range of breeds, from Leghorns to Rhode Island Reds. With its focus on organic superfoods and careful craftsmanship, this feed ensures your flock grows strong and healthy. Moreover, it’s completely safe for daily consumption by your feathered friends.
If you’re interested in purchasing, simply check the current price on Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Chicken Feed
When selecting chicken feed, it’s crucial to balance nutritional requirements with the birds’ natural foraging habits. Chickens appreciate having access to food at all times, which can impact the type and quantity of feed you choose. Additionally, budgetary constraints may play a role in your decision-making process.
To guide your selection, we’ve outlined some key considerations that will help ensure your flock’s nutritional needs are met while also taking into account their instinctual desire for constant access to food.
What Nutrients do Chickens Require?
When considering your flock’s dietary needs, it’s essential to acknowledge that all chickens require a balanced diet, regardless of age or breed. Like many animals, they need carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins to thrive. A well-formulated feed should be the foundation of their nutrition. While oyster shells can provide calcium for egg-layers, it’s crucial to ensure your flock’s overall nutritional needs are met.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the essential nutrients chickens require:
How Much Feed do Chickens Require?
Chickens have a voracious appetite, with many preferring to graze throughout the day rather than relying on one or two large meals. A standard-sized hen, in particular, has a daily pellet consumption of around ¼-1/3 pounds. While commercial chicken feed remains their primary source of nutrition, it’s also beneficial to supplement their diet with an assortment of vegetables and table scraps – just be sure to do so in moderation.
Furthermore, chickens require constant access to grit, small rocks that are stored within the gizzard for grinding and processing their food.
How Do I Know I’m Buying the Correct Feed?
As you monitor the well-being of your chickens, you’ll quickly determine if they’re thriving under their caregiver’s guidance. A crucial aspect of chicken nutrition lies in the formula of essential nutrients found in their feed. Allow your flock time to acclimate to the new diet before making any adjustments. If you notice a decrease in appetite, it may be necessary to reevaluate the brand or consider their unique preferences.
Some feeds are blended with limestone or oyster shells for optimal digestion. If this is important to you, ensure the label reflects these added ingredients. Alternatively, purchasing separate scratch feed can simplify matters. Additionally, if non-GMO feed holds significant value to you, be aware that not all brands adhere to this standard. While many tout their non-GMO credentials, a select few may not meet this criteria.
Popular Chicken Feed Brands
When it comes to feed options, there’s a wide range of choices available from various brands. Some companies offer multiple types of feed in their product line, while others may specialize in just one or two specific formulations. A quick glance at the market reveals a diverse array of options, including Prairie’s Choice, Kalmbach, Coyote Creek, Scratch and Peck Feeds, F.M. Browns, and Hiland Naturals, as well as Manna Pro, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.
5 Best Chicken Feeds – Reviews
Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO Backyard Chicken Feed
Prairie’s Choice offers two formulas, grower and layer, that cater to different needs. The feed is made from non-GMO ground corn and non-chemically processed soybean meal. A balanced blend of essential nutrients like protein, fat, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and salt provides a solid foundation. Additional vitamins such as vitamin A, D-3, E, B-12, and folic acid are also included to support overall health.
The layer formula is designed specifically for egg-laying hens, while the grower formula contains a slightly higher protein content that’s suitable for birds that require more. Each bag weighs 25 pounds and provides a convenient option for flock owners. On the positive side, Prairie’s Choice offers a good vitamin profile, which can be beneficial for your birds’ health. The non-GMO and chemical-free processing methods are also attractive features.
However, the feed may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to other brands.
Coyote Creek Certified Organic Feed
Coyote Creek Organic Feed Mill and Farm takes pride in its organic and non-GMO certified feed options, tailored to meet the needs of starter chickens, developing pullets, and egg-laying hens. Their flagship product, Certified Organic Feed, is a carefully crafted blend of organic corn, soybean meal, milo, and roughage products, supplemented with essential vitamins and nutrients. The company also caters to customers seeking soy-free options for their egg-layers.
These 100% organic and non-GMO certified feeds come in convenient 20-pound bags. Some notable advantages include the inclusion of a range of vitamins and supplements, a moderate variety of ingredients on offer, and an affordable price point compared to other chicken feed brands. On the downside, we couldn’t find any significant drawbacks to report. For those interested in purchasing this high-quality feed, Amazon offers competitive pricing.
Kalmbach Feeds All Natural Layer Crumble
Kalmbach Feeds provides a comprehensive feed solution for growers and egg-layers, offering the option to purchase organic feed with Omega or all-natural feed containing high levels of Omega for egg-layers. Their All Natural Layer Crumble stands out with its higher calcium content and amino acid profile, designed to promote stronger eggs. The ingredients list includes corn, soybean meal, grains, wheat middlings, and a diverse array of vitamins and supplements.
Available in 40-50lbs bags depending on the type chosen, this feed is a great value considering the amount provided. While it excels in its nutrient variety and affordable pricing, some may be disappointed to find that the ‘natural’ label does not necessarily imply Non-GMO. As with any product, it’s always a good idea to double-check prices and availability on platforms like Amazon before making a purchase.
Scratch and Peck Feeds Organic Layer Feed
Scratch and Peck Feeds’ Organic Layer Feed is a non-GMO, all-organic option that combines wheat, barley, peas, sesame meal, and an assortment of vitamins and supplements. The feed is specifically formulated for starters, layers, and growers, making it a versatile choice for chicken keepers. One notable feature is the inclusion of ground limestone and oyster shell, which can aid digestion without requiring a separate purchase.
Additionally, the feed contains whole grains and avoids corn and soy, appealing to those seeking a more natural feeding solution.
While the feed’s quality features are certainly advantages, some drawbacks include a slightly higher cost per amount of feed compared to other options. Furthermore, individual chickens may not take to the taste or texture, which could lead to inconsistent consumption.
Overall, Scratch and Peck Feeds’ Organic Layer Feed is an organic choice that offers a unique set of benefits, but its price and palatability require careful consideration.
Homestead Harvest Non-GMO Whole Grain Layer Blend
Homestead Harvest’s Non-GMO Whole Grain Layer Blend boasts a comprehensive array of natural supplements, including minerals, vitamins, probiotics, Omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils, herbs, and calcium. This premium feed is sustainably sourced from a family farm, ensuring the healthiest possible outcomes for your chickens or ducks. As a result, you can expect high-quality eggshells to be produced.
The pros of this product are clear: its premium ingredients and sustainable sourcing make it an excellent choice for maintaining fowl health. However, it’s worth noting that corn is the primary filler ingredient, which may not appeal to all producers. Additionally, the feed can spoil quickly if the bag is not sealed properly, so be sure to store it securely. For those interested in purchasing, please check the current price on Amazon.
Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed
When it comes to feeding your flock, you want to ensure they’re getting the best nutrients possible. Small Pet Select’s Chicken Layer Feed is an excellent choice, packed with fresh and natural ingredients sourced from the Pacific Northwest. This premium feed is completely soy- and corn-free, making it a great option for those looking for a Non-GMO alternative. The combination mix contains high-quality pellets, grains, and seeds, along with a light basting of Omega-3 vegetable oil.
Ingredients include peas, wheat, oats, pumpkin, sunflower, flax seeds, millet, fish meal, kelp, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. The best part? Calcium is already added, so you don’t need to worry about providing that separately. To keep the ingredients fresh, store the bag in a cool, dry place. Available in 10, 25, and 50lbs bags, this feed is perfect for flocks of all sizes.
And if you’re not completely satisfied, Small Pet Select offers a 100% 30-day replacement guarantee or online store credit. The benefits of this feed far outweigh the drawbacks. While some users have noted that the pellets might be a bit large for smaller hens, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. With great quality, excellent value, and an affordable price, it’s no wonder Small Pet Select’s Chicken Layer Feed is a popular choice among chicken enthusiasts.
And with the 30-day guarantee, you can try it risk-free. Check out the latest prices on Amazon.
Manna Pro Organic Grower Crumbles
Manna Pro’s product range is impressively diverse, encompassing a multitude of specialty feeds such as Omega Egg Maker Supplement, medicated starter feed, treats, and grit. Notably, their Organic Grower Crumbles are free from medications and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), boasting a high protein content that fosters healthy weight gain and muscle development. Available in 10lb or 30lb bags, this non-GMO option is an attractive choice for those prioritizing wholesome ingredients.
While Manna Pro’s offerings may be extensive, the brand’s relative newness to the market and slightly higher price point compared to other brands might give some buyers pause.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Feed
When it comes to choosing the best chicken feed for your flock, we’re big fans of the Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed. Whether you have a diverse group of Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds, this top-notch feed is sure to support healthy growth and development in your feathered friends. What sets this feed apart is its thoughtful blend of organic superfoods that are specifically designed for chicken consumption.
Not only is it 100% safe for daily consumption, but it’s also a great way to add some extra nutrition to your birds’ diets. For those interested in purchasing, you can check out the current price on Amazon.
