Layered, crumbles, mash, or pellets… Feed is a major factor when it comes to raising chickens and having good-quality egg production. Better performance and products from your birds start from a choice of feed.
The more good nutrition, vitamins and minerals it provides, the healthier and more productive your chickens become. It’s good to know what to look for when searching for a perfect feed for your flock:
- Vitamin A, E, B12 and D3
- The amount of protein (based on the age and type of a bird)
- Calcium and other minerals
- Types of feed: layered, mash, crumbles, etc.
- Enzymes – helps with digestion
- What age of chickens is the product intended for
COMPARISON CHART
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Poultry Feeders Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Feed
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Hen Up Scratch Grains Organic Chicken Food
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Homestead Harvest Non-GMO Organic Chicken Feed
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Mile Four Organic Chicken Food
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Kalmbach Feed Organic Harvest
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Grubbly Organic Layer Feed
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Features
- A blend of: vitamins, minerals, grains, calcium supplement, organic flax meal and protein for ducks and chickens, all sourced from North American farms
- USDA certified organic and non-gmo project verified – ensuring the safest and highest quality product
- Suitable for waterfowl, geese and ducks at 20 weeks of age
- Grown and milled in the pacific NW – sourced from sustainable farms, known and trusted
- Unprocessed and raw – optimal nutrition, positive impact on eggs, making them stronger
- Free from soy and corn – avoidance of potential allergens
Thinking of the nutrition aspect and a significant, positive impact on birds, this product invited itself to our first top position. If you are one of the connoisseurs who appreciate organic, GMO-free products and assurance the feed is safe, this product is the best option you can find on the market. It guarantees the highest quality and keeps chickens in good health.
WHAT WE LIKE
Most of the products on the market are soy-free, but Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Feed is both soy-free and corn-free. This feed provides a special blend of organic flax meal, cracked organic grains, vitamins, and minerals sourced from North American farms. It contains 16% or 18% of an optimum level of protein for Stage Three feeding.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
You might experience powdered residue among the grains. Most likely, it won’t be consumed by chickens, and hence it would contribute to feed wastage.
PROS
- Naturally free organic layer feed
- Contains calcium for producing stronger eggshells by hens
- More flavor, texture and nutrition in comparison to other layer feeds
- Comes in two variants of protein: 16% or 18%
- High contain of vitamins, minerals and various grains
CONS
- Occurence of powder increases wastage
- Too big for chickens in their first week of life
Features
- Certified USDA organic ingredients
- GMO free
- No pesticides or fertilisers
- Contains 10% of protein
- Best for chickens at the age of 18+ weeks
The second place on our list belongs to Hen Up Scratch Grains Organic Chicken Food.
This product impressed us with its organic ingredients: oats, barley, corn, wheat, and peas. You won’t need to worry about GMO presence, fertilizers, or nasty pesticides.
By choosing this feed, you can be sure your flocks will be getting what they need and deserve.
WHAT WE LIKE
Crucial ingredients provide your flocks with the best nutrition and energy for every day.
That’s a key factor in the Hen Up Scratch Grains feed. Easy and delicious to mix up with other feed, so you can turn a casual chicken meal into a delicious feast they’ll dream of!
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Cheaper than the superior Poultry Feeders Scratch and Peck, and very competitive due to its high quality, and various ingredients. However, it’s suitable only for chickens at the age of 18+ weeks. Also, you might experience a bit of fussiness from your chickens’ side – some of them might be driven away by peas.
PROS
- Cost-effective price
- Soy free
- USDA certified organic ingredients
- Pesticides and fertilisers free
CONS
- Not suitable for small chickens
- Content of peas might put off some chickens
Features
- GMO free
- Essential oils and herbs
- Live probiotics species
- Includes diatomaceous earth and oyster shells
- Kelp sourcing in vitamins and minerals
- Linseed oil – source of Omega-3
- Contains 16% of protein
Another non-GMO product with a fair price regarding its content. If you are fed up with powdery products increasing the wastage of feed and your money, this grain will wash your worries away. Containing kelp, herbs, and essential oils, sourced from a 7th generation family farm. All of that will make your birds healthy and strong, ready to crack on with their daily routine.
WHAT WE LIKE
When choosing the perfect feed for chickens, we want to make sure it is provided by trusted people. Homestead Harvest feed comes from a 7th-generation family and assures GMO-free content. This prime-quality product delivers the best ingredients your chickens could ask for. And if you dream of stronger, delicious eggs, this feed is a gift you can make for both chickens and yourself.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
There is no way to deny the decent quality, and priceless range of tasty ingredients of this product. Although it has everything to make your flocks obsessed and hungry for more, the price might be an overwhelming force, making you end this dream quite quickly.
PROS
- High quality range of multiple ingredients
- Essential oils and herbs
- GMO free
- Live probiotics species
- Vitamins A, E, D and minerals
- Omega-3
CONS
- Occurrence of pieces too big to chew by chickens
- Low quality package, vulnerable to potential damage
Features
- USDA certified organic layer feed
- Free from soy and corn
- Whole grain perfect for fermenting
- 16% of protein
- Non GMO
For enthusiasts of delicious feed your chickens will love, Mile Four’s Organic Chicken Food is one to beat. With a wholesome recipe of safe and GMO-free ingredients, this feed will leave your chickens well-fed and nicely nourished. Another product free from soy and corn, this is a healthy option for your birds.
WHAT WE LIKE
With sustainable, recyclable packaging, full of unprocessed, delicious feed. Thanks to Mile Four, your flock will consistently produce stronger-shelled eggs with deeper, golden yolks. We love that feed for providing better nutrition absorption and being a complete meal for chickens.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
It’s quite an expensive choice considering one pack feeds 3 chickens per month and a possibility that some birds might not like its taste. If your hen house is greater than that, you shall think through your requirements and expenses before this purchase.
PROS
- Promotes eggs to be stronger and taste better
- Sustainable, recyclable packaging
- GMO free
- Soy and corn free
- Organic
- Zero imported grains
CONS
- Price – one pack feeds 3 chicken per month
- Might be not a good taste for ducks
Features
- 17% protein content
- USDA organic, certified feed
- Rich in Omega-3 and vitamin D3
- Layer pellets feed
Kalmbach Feed is a winner when it comes to protein content. Unlike the other products on the market, it has 17% of protein. Moreover, it’s a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3, which play a major role in better egg production. And again – an organic, USDA-certified feed. You can stay calm about your birds’ health.
WHAT WE LIKE
For everyone looking for the best source of protein for flocks, this feed is a win.
It beats other products when it comes to the amount of Omega-3 and vitamin D3 it provides. We strongly recommend this choice for every person that dreams of great eggs, high in heart-healthy Omega-3 acids.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Although it’s a great source of protein, it doesn’t provide lots of nutrition. It’s also not the best choice for brown laying eggs, regarding a high content of Omega-3 that usually causes an unpleasant smell in your eggs.
PROS
- The best source of protein on the market
- High heart-healthy Omega-3 acids
- Rich in vitamin D3
- Organic feed
CONS
- Might cause an unpleasant smell in brown laying eggs
- Less nutrition comparing to other products on the market
Features
- Probiotics aiding digestion
- Sustainable packaging
- Great for chickens, ducks, and geese as of 18-20 weeks or older
- Made without fish, corn, soy
- GMO free
- Balanced recipe for bright and creamy yolks
- 16% of protein
Grubbly feed is a good choice when looking for a very basic feed in sustainable packaging. The manufacturer made sure that producing this product wouldn’t affect the planet in a negative way. Grubbly feed is based on seeds, probiotics, and sustainably harvested black soldier fly grubs. Nutrition-wise, it contains probiotics to aid digestion, so your flocks feel great and ready to fly!
WHAT WE LIKE
Simple ingredients and the best sustainable packaging on the market are proof that this feed deserves your attention. For the sake of the planet, this product leads in its sustainable design, keeping both the earth and pets nice and happy. We like that producers emphasize the role of probiotics on the list of its ingredients, so all birds can enjoy their healthy and natural digestion.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Unfortunately, despite this product meeting all criteria to provide necessary nutrition, vitamins and minerals – it’s not organic, unlike other feeds on our list. Adding the fact it’s expensive, it stays on the last place on our list.
PROS
- The best sustainable product
- GMO free
- Free from corn, fish and soy
- Rich in probiotics to aid digestion
- Beautiful, tasty feed, very attractive for birds
CONS
- Non organic
- Expensive, especially when having lots of flocks to feed
Factors to Consider When Choosing Chicken Feed
Age and Breed of Chickens
Different ages and breeds of chickens require different levels of protein in their feed. Therefore, choosing the right chicken layer feed for your flock is essential to ensure they get the nutrition they need.
Formulation
High-quality chicken feeds are formulated with a range of nutrients to meet the needs of chickens at different stages of life, from starter crumbles to layers pellets.
Ingredients
The ingredients in chicken feeds should include a range of proteins, minerals, and vitamins that meet the specific nutritional requirements of chickens. Look out for an organic, non-GMO feed that is free from any artificial colors or flavours.
Price
Consider the price of the feed when making your choice. Budget plays an important role in deciding which feed to choose; however, it is always best to opt for a good quality feed as this will ensure your chickens get all the nutrition they need.
Storage
Make sure you buy chicken layer feed that comes in a tightly sealed bag or container so that it stays fresh and nutritious until used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for chickens to lay eggs on?
The best food for chickens to lay eggs is a complete and balanced layer feed that is specifically formulated for laying hens. Layer feed contains the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, that chickens need to produce eggs.
Layer feed typically contains between 16-18% protein, which is necessary for egg production. It also contains calcium, which is crucial for forming strong eggshells. Look for layer feed that includes added nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve egg quality and increase the number of eggs your chickens lay.
Are crumbles or pellets better for chickens?
This depends on the age and breed of chickens. Generally, starter crumbles are better for younger chickens as they are easier to digest, while layer pellets are better for older chickens due to their higher protein content. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for your flock.
Final verdict
Comparing all products from our list, we can clearly state they have a very similar list of ingredients, protein, and nutrition. Almost all are organic and certified, high in nutrition. The differences are insignificant and very detailed, by which means your choice might be so far based only on the price.
That’s why we strongly recommend having a look at the articles listed below to find out more about types of feed, the role of ingredients, and their impact on birds. Chickens’ health and performance depend on their feed. The basic knowledge about it will help you have it all under control, so you can enjoy the best quality chicken products and keep them in good health for many years.
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