Raising backyard chickens or managing a larger poultry operation starts with one fundamental question: what are the best poultry feeds to use? The right feed is the cornerstone of your flock’s health, egg production, and overall vitality. But with so many options available, choosing can be overwhelming.
This ultimate guide will break down everything you need to know about poultry feed, from the different types to our top recommendations, ensuring your birds get the perfect nutrition they need to thrive.
Why the “Best” Feed Depends on Your Flock
There is no single “best” feed for every scenario. The ideal choice depends on several key factors:
- Age of Your Birds: Chicks, layers, and meat birds have vastly different nutritional requirements.
- Your Goals: Are you raising chickens for eggs, meat, or as pets?
- Stage of Production: Are your layers at peak production or are they molting?
Understanding these categories is the first step to making an informed decision.
Types of Poultry Feed: A Complete Breakdown
1. Chick Starter Feed (0-8 Weeks)
This is the first food for your new chicks. It’s formulated with:
- High Protein (18-20%): For rapid growth and development.
- Medicated vs. Non-Medicated: Medicated starter contains Amprolium, a coccidiostat that helps protect against the common intestinal disease coccidiosis. Choose non-medicated if your chicks are vaccinated or you prefer an organic approach.
- Small Crumbles: Easy for tiny beaks to eat.
Best For: Newly hatched chicks until they are fully feathered.
2. Grower/Developer Feed (8-20 Weeks)
As your chicks transition to pullets (young hens), their needs change.
- Moderate Protein (16-18%): Supports steady growth without rushing them into lay.
- Lower Calcium: Unlike layer feed, it has minimal calcium. Too much calcium too early can damage developing kidneys.
Best For: Teenage chickens after they outgrow starter feed.
3. Layer Feed (20+ Weeks)
This is the essential feed for egg-laying hens.
- Balanced Protein (16-18%): Maintains body condition and supports egg production.
- High Calcium (3.5-4.5%): Contains extra calcium, often from oyster shell or limestone, to form strong eggshells. Without it, hens may lay thin-shelled eggs or deplete their own calcium reserves.
- Form: Typically available as crumbles or pellets.
Best For: All egg-laying hens.
4. Broiler/Meat Bird Feed
Formulated for fast-growing breeds like Cornish Cross.
- Very High Protein (20-24%): Promotes rapid muscle growth and weight gain.
- High Energy: Packed with calories to help them reach market weight quickly.
- Available as Starter and Finisher: The finisher ration is often used in the final weeks before processing.
Best For: Chickens being raised for meat.
5. Flock Raiser/All-Flock Feed
A versatile option for mixed flocks.
- Moderate Protein (16-18%): A safe middle-ground for various ages and types.
- Low Calcium: You must provide a separate free-choice calcium source (like oyster shell) for your laying hens if you use this feed.
- Ideal for mixed flocks that include layers, non-layers, roosters, and other poultry like ducks.
Top Contenders for the Best Poultry Feed Brands
While the “best” is subjective, these brands are consistently highly rated by poultry keepers for their quality and reliability.
1. Purina® Animal Nutrition
A trusted name in animal feed, Purina offers a full line of scientifically-formulated feeds.
- Key Product: Purina Layena® Layer Pellets/Crumbles. A complete feed with the Oyster Strong® System for strong shells.
- Why It’s Great: Consistent quality, widely available, and trusted by both small homesteaders and large producers.
2. Manna Pro®
A popular choice for backyard flock owners, known for its quality ingredients.
- Key Product: Manna Pro Layer Pellets/Crumbles. Includes probiotics for digestive health and oyster shell for calcium.
- Why It’s Great: Often includes prebiotics and probiotics, promoting gut health and nutrient absorption.
3. Kalmbach Feeds®
A family-owned company known for its high-quality, nutrient-dense formulas.
- Key Product: Kalmbach Layer Hen Crumbles. Features a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- Why It’s Great: Excellent reputation for quality control and customer service.
4. Scratch and Peck Feeds®
A top choice for those seeking natural and organic options.
- Key Product: Scratch and Peck Naturally Free Organic Layer Feed. Certified Organic and non-GMO project verified.
- Why It’s Great: Uses whole grains and organic ingredients. A fantastic option for health-conscious owners.
5. Homestead Harvest (Tractor Supply Co. Brand)
A reliable and affordable brand available at Tractor Supply stores.
- Key Product: Homestead Harvest Layer Pellets.
- Why It’s Great: Good value for money while maintaining solid nutritional standards. Easily accessible for many.
Poultry Feed Forms: Mash, Crumbles, or Pellets?
- Mash: A finely ground, powdery consistency. Can be messy and is less common for adult birds. Often used for chick starter.
- Crumbles: Broken-up pellets. Easy for birds of all sizes to eat and reduces waste. A very popular choice for layers.
- Pellets: Compact, cylindrical feed. Creates less waste but can be too large for some birds.
Our Verdict: Crumbles are often the best all-around choice for backyard flocks as they balance ease of eating with minimal waste.
Final Verdict: How to Choose the Best Poultry Feed
- For Laying Hens: You cannot go wrong with Purina Layena or Manna Pro Layer Crumbles. They are specifically formulated for optimal egg production and shell quality.
- For a Mixed Flock: An All-Flock/Flock Raiser feed, supplemented with free-choice oyster shell for the layers, offers the most flexibility.
- For the Organic/Non-GMO Enthusiast: Scratch and Peck Feeds is a premier choice for top-tier organic nutrition.
Ultimately, the best poultry feed is the one that matches your birds’ specific life stage and purpose, is made from high-quality ingredients, and keeps your flock active, healthy, and productive. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water and store your feed in a cool, dry, pest-proof container to maintain its freshness and nutritional value.
