PossumCorner wrote:
Most serious chook keepers use Laucke's Showbird Breeder - a lot because it's recommended by people who exhibit and do well at poultry shows, so proved to be top quality. Nothing else really necessary, it is a total requirement pellet.
Every brand and manufacturer seems to have a following: some for performance, some for economy, some because it was recommended by someone else.
I like Lauckes - but I also like Purastock Layer Pellets made by Ben Furney Mills - not as expensive but chooks do well on it. And I often used Purastock General Purpose pellets, because they are safe for sheep, ponies etc as well as chooks, as no risky additives. With a small slosh of Anitone to up the vitamin-mineral value.
At present I'm using a crushed grain mix direct from the grower (equal parts wheat, barley, oats, lupins). Again chooks seem happy, laying well and raising healthy chicks.
Also aside from adding some greenleaf vegies and shellgrit, I believe keeping ahead of mites, lice and worms are probably more important issues than choosing between chook food brands, the 'best' feed won't do them any more good than the worst if scaly leg mites and worms are wrecking their health.
Thank you for your response. It's all very much appreciated.