I. Introduction
Raising chickens can be a rewarding hobby, whether it be for eggs or meat. However, to ensure
healthy and productive chickens, it is crucial to provide them with quality feed. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we will outline the essential components to look for in chicken feed and recommend the seven best chicken feeds of 2023 for hobbyist chicken keepers.
II. What to Look for in Chicken Feeds
A. The essential ingredients for healthy chickens
When selecting chicken feed, it is essential to look for a feed that includes the necessary nutrients and minerals for a chicken’s diet. The essential ingredients include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are vital for healthy growth, egg production, and overall health.
B. Different forms of chicken feed (whole/cracked grain, pellet, or crumble)
Chicken feed comes in different forms: whole/cracked grain, pellet, or crumble. Whole/cracked grain feed is a more natural option, but it is not as convenient and may result in more waste. Pellets and crumbles are easier to store and feed, and they are less messy. However, they may not provide the same level of variety that whole grains offer.
C. Quality sourcing and transparency from manufacturers
It is crucial to choose a chicken feed manufacturer that is transparent about their sourcing and production methods. Look for feeds that are made from organic and non-GMO ingredients and avoid feeds that contain artificial preservatives or fillers.
III. The 7 Best Chicken Feeds of 2023
A. Best Overall: Scratch and Peck Organic Chicken Feeds
Scratch and Peck Organic Chicken Feeds are a top-rated option due to their high-quality organic
ingredients, including grains, seeds, and essential nutrients. They offer a variety of feeds to meet the needs of chickens at every stage of life.
B. Best Starter Feed for Chicks: Manna Pro Organic Starter Crumbles Chicken Feed
Manna Pro Organic Starter Crumbles Chicken Feed is an excellent option for newly hatched chicks. This feed is specially formulated with 19% protein and essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development.
C. Best Grower Feed for Pullets and Broilers: Grubbly Farms Little Pecks Starter Grower Feed
Grubbly Farms Little Pecks Starter Grower Feed is a top-rated option for pullets and broilers. It is made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and includes essential nutrients such as probiotics and omega-3s.
D. Best Layer Feed: Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed
Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed is an excellent option for chickens in the laying stage. This feed includes essential nutrients such as calcium and omega-3s to support healthy egg production.
E. Best Organic: New Country Organics Classic Grind Layer Feed
New Country Organics Classic Grind Layer Feed is an organic option that includes a variety of whole grains and essential nutrients to support healthy egg production. This feed is also free from soy and corn.
F. Best Crumbles and Pellets: Blue Seal Home Fresh Extra Egg Crumbles and Pellets
Blue Seal Home Fresh Extra Egg Crumbles and Pellets are a top-rated option for chickens that prefer crumbles and pellets over whole grains. This feed includes essential nutrients such as calcium and omega-3s to support healthy egg production.
G. Best Treats: Happy Hen Treats Mealworm Frenzy Poultry Treats
Happy Hen Treats Mealworm Frenzy Poultry Treats are an excellent option for providing treats to chickens. These treats include dried mealworms, which are a great source of protein for chickens.
IV. Review of Recommended Chicken Feeds
A. Scratch and Peck Organic Chicken Feeds
Scratch and Peck Organic Chicken Feeds are a top-rated option for hobbyist chicken keepers. They offer a variety of feeds, including starter, grower, layer, and broiler feeds. Their feeds are made from high-quality, organic ingredients and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Customers praise Scratch and Peck for their transparency and commitment to providing healthy and nutritious feeds for chickens.
B. Manna Pro Organic Starter Crumbles Chicken Feed
Manna Pro Organic Starter Crumbles Chicken Feed is an excellent option for newly hatched chicks. This feed is specially formulated with 19% protein and essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development. Customers praise this feed for its high-quality organic ingredients and the noticeable improvement in their chicks’ growth and health.
C. Grubbly Farms Little Pecks Starter Grower Feed
Grubbly Farms Little Pecks Starter Grower Feed is a top-rated option for pullets and broilers. It is made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and includes essential nutrients such as probiotics and omega-3s. Customers praise this feed for its high-quality ingredients and the noticeable improvement in their birds’ overall health and productivity.
D. Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed
Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed is an excellent option for chickens in the laying stage. This feed includes essential nutrients such as calcium and omega-3s to support healthy egg production
and overall health. It is made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and is free from artificial colors and preservatives. Customers praise this feed for its consistent quality and the improvement in their chickens’ egg production.
E. New Country Organics Classic Grind Layer Feed
New Country Organics Classic Grind Layer Feed is another top-rated option for chickens in the laying stage. It is made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and includes essential nutrients such as calcium and omega-3s. Customers praise this feed for its high-quality ingredients and the improvement in their chickens’ egg quality and overall health.
F. Blue Seal Home Fresh Extra Egg Crumbles and Pellets
Blue Seal Home Fresh Extra Egg Crumbles and Pellets is a top-rated option for hobbyist chicken keepers. It is made with high-quality ingredients and includes essential nutrients such as calcium and omega-3s to support healthy egg production. Customers praise this feed for its consistent quality and the noticeable improvement in their chickens’ overall health and productivity.
G. Happy Hen Treats Mealworm Frenzy Poultry Treats
Happy Hen Treats Mealworm Frenzy Poultry Treats is a delicious and nutritious treat for chickens. It is made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients and is packed with essential nutrients such as protein and amino acids. Customers praise these treats for their chickens’ enjoyment and the noticeable improvement in their birds’ overall health and well-being.
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, quality chicken feed is essential for hobbyist chicken keepers to ensure their birds’ health and productivity. When choosing chicken feed, it is important to look for feeds made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and free from artificial colors and preservatives. The recommended feeds above are all excellent options that have received high praise from customers for their consistent quality and noticeable improvements in their birds’ health and productivity. We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the best feed for your flock.
Remember to provide clean water to your chickens at all times and to store your feed in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality.
Investing in quality chicken feed can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of your birds. By providing them with a well-balanced diet, you can ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need to thrive. In addition to choosing a high-quality feed, it is also important to provide your birds with plenty of space to move around and access to fresh air and sunlight.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful in choosing the best chicken feed for your flock. Whether you are just starting out or have been keeping chickens for years, choosing the right feed can make all the difference in the health and productivity of your birds. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian or a poultry expert if you have any questions or concerns about your chickens’ health or nutrition.
