Why Organic Poultry Feed?

By Carol Ekarius
Published on August 15, 2013

Are you looking for the healthiest feed for your chickens, ducks, geese, guinea hens or other poultry?

Why Organic Chicken Feed?

My family eats primarily organic foods, so I don’t see feeding our animals differently than we feed ourselves — particularly when those animals are producing food that we will eat. There are several reasons to choose organic chicken feed. Though the macro nutrients (such as protein and fat) tend to be comparable between industrial and organically grown foods and animal feeds, there are big differences in the micro-nutrients, such as important enzymes, vitamins and minerals, which are routinely higher in organically grown food. Pesticide residues are significantly lower in organic foods, and though the quantities may be minute, I’d rather avoid them altogether. I want to support a farming system that doesn’t result in the die-off of the birds and the bees, or bring harm to farmers and ranchers. The organic approach is better for both the planet and people, particularly the people who raise food! Finally, the top reason for finding organic chicken feed if you raise poultry to sell either meat or eggs (or are considering doing so) is that organic should allow you to charge a significant price premium.

Types of Chicken Feed

The right feed depends on the age of your birds, whether you’re raising meat chickens or layers, and what type of birds you’re raising — fast-growing hybrids or slower growing heritage breeds. Most chicken feeds are available in the form of a ‘mash’ — a fully ground and mixed ration that looks almost like coarse flour — though you can also find them granulated or pelletized. Here are the main types you’ll choose from:

Chick starter. Just as human babies don’t start life on the same diet as adults, chicks also need their own special food when they pop from the egg. Chick starter is like infant formula for poultry — much higher in protein and amino acids, for example, than feed for mature birds. You should feed your chicks a chick starter for their first three weeks or so, after which you should switch to a grower ration.

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