Nutrena vs Purina vs Organic: Which Chicken Feed is Right For You
Chicken Feed: What You Need to Know
Feeding your chickens is an essential part of keeping them healthy and productive.
Chicken feed plays a crucial role in determining the quality and quantity of eggs or meat produced by your poultry.
Choosing the right type of chicken feed can be overwhelming with so many options available on the market.
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about chicken feeds including consumption chart again, types of chicken feeds, and best chicken feed options based on your needs.
Consumption Chart for Chicken Feeds
The amount of chicken feed required depends on various factors such as age, weight, and activity level of the bird.
Generally, adult chickens require 1-2 pounds of feed per week while layers require around 2-3 pounds of feed per week.
Broilers, on the other hand, require more feed than layers during their growth phase which lasts for approximately 8 weeks.
The following table provides a general guide on how much feed your chickens should consume per day depending on their age and weight.
Age | Weight | Daily Consumption (lbs) |
Up to 4 weeks | 0-1 lbs | 1/4 – 1/2 oz |
4-8 weeks | 1-5 lbs | 1/2 – 3/4 oz |
8 weeks+ | 5 lbs + | 3/4 – 1 oz |
Types of Chicken Feeds Available on the Market
There are three main types of chicken feeds available on the market; Nutrena,
Purina, and Organic. Each type has its own unique characteristics that make it suitable for different purposes.
Nutrena: This brand offers a wide range of chicken feeds designed specifically for layer hens, broiler birds, and show animals.
See also Nutrena Chicken Feed: The High-Quality Option for Your Poultry Needs
Their feeds contain high-quality ingredients like corn, soybean meal, and vitamins and minerals to support optimal performance.
Purina: This brand produces several varieties of chicken feeds including Layena, Starter & Grower, and Breeder.
Their feeds are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of different stages of a chicken’s life cycle from egg production to meat production. They also offer organic chicken feeds made with natural ingredients.
Organic: As the name suggests, these feeds are made using only organic ingredients like vegetables, fruits, and grains.
They do not contain any chemical additives or preservatives making them a popular choice among consumers who prefer sustainable farming practices.
However, they may not provide all the necessary nutrients needed for optimum chicken health and performance.
Best Chicken Feed Options Based on Your Needs
Choosing the right chicken feed option depends on your specific needs whether it is for egg production, meat production, or showing animals. Here are some recommendations based on your needs:
Egg Production: If you want to maximize the number of eggs your hens lay, then choose a layer feed that contains higher levels of calcium and protein. Some examples include Nutrena Layer Plus or Purina Layena.
Meat Production: If you want to grow broiler birds quickly for meat production, then choose a starter and grower feed like Nutrena Start ‘n Grow or Purina Starter & Grower.
These feeds contain higher levels of energy and protein to support faster growth rates.
Show Animals: If you have show animals, then choose a breeder feed that contains higher levels of protein and vitamins to support optimal performance. Some examples include Nutrena Show Chow or Purina Breeder.
See also 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Chicken Coop Tractor
By choosing the right chicken feed depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for Nutrena, Purina, or Organic, there is a feed option out there that will suit your needs.
And remember to always consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before making any changes to your chicken’s diet.