Need feed brand recommendations

[DarkAngel77]

I have been feeding Nutrena Naturewise starter/grower feed. My chicks absolutely love it and there is a lot less waste with this feed compared to the store brand of feed I had originally fed them.

My issue is that, whenever I go buy feed I usually have to ask employees to look in the back because all of what is on the shelf has been sold. Today whenever I went to go buy feed they didn't even have any in the back, its apparently a very popular feed and sells out very fast, and my local store is unsure of when they will have more in stock. I could order online but it would be almost double the cost of what I pay at my local store, and I really don't want to have to pay almost double.

So I am wondering if there are any alternative brands that my chicks may possibly like just as much? Usually when I go buy feed, they have an over abundance of purina brand as well as Valley F or Valley V(I think that is the brand). Has anyone tried either of those brands and their chickens liked it? I know that it may be a trial and error process, but I'm hoping to get suggestions on possible brands to start, or maybe even from someone who has fed their chickens Nutrena and had to switch to a different brand as well.

 

[Debbie292d]

If you're talking starter/grower, and look at the ingredients, almost every single brand is the same +/- some protein is usually the most difference.

For layer, we used Dumor for years but got tired of TSC always being out of it so tried Kalmbach's layer crumbles (silkies) and have been ordering that online from Chewy as well as their Flock Maker and mix the two. I started getting my starter crumbles from them too so I could get a coupon deal or free shipping. If you do their auto-ship thing, you save another 30 some % your first time, and 5% thereafter. You can change that anytime you want.

 

[DarkAngel77]

If you're talking starter/grower, and look at the ingredients, almost every single brand is the same +/- some protein is usually the most difference.

For layer, we used Dumor for years but got tired of TSC always being out of it so tried Kalmbach's layer crumbles (silkies) and have been ordering that online from Chewy as well as their Flock Maker and mix the two. I started getting my starter crumbles from them too so I could get a coupon deal or free shipping. If you do their auto-ship thing, you save another 30 some % your first time, and 5% thereafter. You can change that anytime you want.

No, I know that almost all the brands is the usually the same as far as protein and the other ingredients. I'm just thinking maybe the nutrena naturewise has a different taste and maybe that's why they love it so much. I'm hoping to find something that may taste similar to them. I know the nutrena smells alot better then their previous food, thats why I assume it taste different to them as well.

 

[happybooker1]

I would suggest looking at "Chewys" website and see how their prices compare to what you're paying. I order Kalmbach's from Chewy and love getting it delivered to my gate in 2-3 days!

 

[DarkAngel77]

I would suggest looking at "Chewys" website and see how their prices compare to what you're paying. I order Kalmbach's from Chewy and love getting it delivered to my gate in 2-3 days

That's where I was looking online and the prices were almost double what I normally pay. I ended up finding the feed somewhere else local, it was still a bit more then I normally pay, but after thinking about it, I'd just rather pay a bit extra for the feed I know they do like instead of risking buying something they don't like and may not eat. I just figure it may be better to stick with what they are used to.

 

[Folly's place]

We feed Purina's Flock Raiser, and start chicks on either that or Purina's chick feed. Both are fresh by mill date at our local TSC, so convenient. Kalmbach looks good too, but is a longer trip to buy at another feed store. Nutrina is a bit more expensive here, so we aren't buying it.
See what else is available with good mill dates where you shop. We want to feed within two months of each bag's mill date, for best freshness and vitamin content. If one brand is difficult, read labels and check out others.
We don't feed Dumor.
Mary

 

[Chick-in]

I don't touch store brands. I go to local or nearby organic mills. You can also feed them on compost. There's a guy that has deals with returaunts and stores and they bring the scraps in. The only issue is rodent management if you go too big.

https://non-gmoreport.com/directory-of-organic-non-gmo-and-regenerative-supplies/

There, of course, are places not in the book. Many ship as well.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I would suggest looking at "Chewys" website and see how their prices compare to what you're paying. I order Kalmbach's from Chewy and love getting it delivered to my gate in 2-3 days!

I love Chewy, but I only buy chicken feed when they have a deal bringing Kalmbach down to $20-21, That's what I can get it for in the store. My favorite Full Plume & Feather Kalmbach is $32 at Chewy, way too expensive except in a pinch.

 

[Dominique King]

The feed that I use is Poulin Grain. I have been using it for my 3 years of having chickens and my flock is as happy as it can be!

 

[DarkAngel77]

We feed Purina's Flock Raiser, and start chicks on either that or Purina's chick feed. Both are fresh by mill date at our local TSC, so convenient. Kalmbach looks good too, but is a longer trip to buy at another feed store. Nutrina is a bit more expensive here, so we aren't buying it.
See what else is available with good mill dates where you shop. We want to feed within two months of each bag's mill date, for best freshness and vitamin content. If one brand is difficult, read labels and check out others.
We don't feed Dumor.
Mary

After alot of consideration and thought, I'm switching my flock to purina flock raiser, just as soon as they are done with their current bag of nutrena. I just hope they like it, my chicks are a bit picky and spoiled, but if they don't like it I plan to check into some of the feed stores around my area to see what they have. I'm hoping they do like the purina though, I have been able to find it in 3 different stores and in the one I usually buy from is only a $0.50 price difference.