Chickens in your backyard can lay 150 to 260 eggs a year, but high-production breeds like Golden Comets, which are often bred for commercial egg laying, can lay a lot more. Providing your flock with the best chicken feed from hatching through their laying years ensures the healthiest chickens and the most eggs.
For this guide to the best chicken feed, I talked to two academic experts on animal welfare and tested dozens of feeds based on things like how to keep chicken feed waste to a minimum and making sure that chickens get the right amount of nutrition for their age. My top pick is Nutrena NatureWise Nourishing Layer 18% Protein Bits. A group of veterinary nutritionists came up with its balanced food for laying hens, which includes Aztec marigolds to make egg yolks look bright. Below, I recommend seven high-quality chicken feeds, plus the best chick grit. Some options Ive personally fed to my chicks and hens, and all have been rigorously researched.
This guide focuses on optimal nutrition for roosters and egg-laying hens. If youre raising meat or dual-purpose birds, they may have different nutritional needs.
As any chicken keeper knows feeding your flock a high-quality diet is essential to their health and productivity. When shopping at farm stores like Tractor Supply, you’ll find a wide selection of chicken feed brands to choose from. But have you ever wondered exactly who makes those store-branded feeds?
In this article, we’ll uncover the major manufacturer behind popular chicken feed sold at Tractor Supply, including details on their partnership arrangement and how it benefits chicken-raisers You’ll also learn how to identify signs of this major producer on Tractor Supply’s private label feeds and understand what it means for the quality and nutritional value of the feed you select
Producer’s Pride and Purina: Partners in Poultry Nutrition
Producer’s Pride is one of the most well-known brands of chicken feed at Tractor Supply. This line of feed comes in different forms for different chicken breeds and stages of life. However, Producer’s Pride feed isn’t actually made by Tractor Supply. The manufacturer behind the brand is Purina Animal Nutrition.
Purina Animal Nutrition is a part of the Purina company that makes feed for chickens, cows, horses, and other farm animals. It has been around since 1926 and can do a lot of research and manufacturing. Purina runs feed mills all over the United States to make their products, such as the well-known brands Purina Layena for layers and Purina Flock Raiser for broilers.
So how does a massive producer like Purina connect with a retail chain like Tractor Supply? It comes down to a strategic private label agreement between the two companies. Tractor Supply contracts Purina to manufacture feed under Tractor Supply’s own Producer’s Pride brand name. This allows Tractor Supply to offer a “store brand” feed with perceived exclusivity and brand recognition.
Meanwhile, Purina gains a reliable sales channel for their products while avoiding direct competition with their Purina branded feed also sold at Tractor Supply. It’s a win-win arrangement that makes the most of each company’s strengths. But most importantly, it means chicken raisers can access quality, nutritionally balanced feed at an affordable price under the Producer’s Pride name.
Signs of Purina Expertise in Producer’s Pride Chicken Feed
Most of the feed bags have the Producer’s Pride logo on them, but there are a few small details that show Purina made them. Check the bag’s small print for a manufacturing address or code. You might find a Purina facility there.
The ingredient list and guaranteed analysis may also mirror Purina’s feed formulations. Look for the levels of protein, fat, fiber and other nutritional components. Additionally, advanced additives like prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and essential amino acids are hallmarks of Purina’s research and feed technology.
When you put Producer’s Pride and Purina feeds next to each other, you can start to see how they are similar, from the ingredients they use to the amounts of nutrients they contain. This shows how Purina’s knowledge of how to feed chickens translates into the Tractor Supply private label brand, which is good for chicken farmers.
What Varieties of Producer’s Pride Feed Are Available?
You’ll find several formulations of Producer’s Pride feed for different types of chickens and life stages:
- Starter Feed: Formulated for chicks 0-8 weeks old. Provides complete nutrition for rapid growth. May contain medication.
- Grower Feed: For pullets 8 weeks to point of lay. Supports development and bone strength.
- Layer Feed: For laying hens. Higher calcium and nutrients to support egg production.
- Scratch Grains: Mixed grains for supplemental feeding. Encourages foraging.
- Meat Bird/Finisher Feed: Fast weight gain for broiler chickens.
- Turkey and Game Bird Feeds: Tailored to nutritional needs of various species.
- Organic Feed Options: Non-GMO verified or certified organic formulations.
Within each category, you’ll find options specially formulated for different chicken breeds. This allows you to choose a feed aligned with your flock’s unique nutritional requirements.
How Producer’s Pride Stacks Up Against Other Brands
Is Producer’s Pride feed comparable in quality to name brands like Purina? While the formulations aren’t identical, the underlying nutritional science and quality control from Purina gives it an advantage over generic store brands. The ingredients and nutrient levels may be slightly different than Purina’s mixes, but you can expect consistency and real poultry nutrition expertise.
One key difference is that Producer’s Pride is positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to Purina poultry feeds. This allows Tractor Supply to offer customers quality nutrition at competitive prices. However, you can pay a little more for organic certified options under the Producer’s Pride brand if that aligns with your feeding preferences.
When in doubt, compare the nutritional analysis and ingredients between Producer’s Pride and other brands intended for the same chicken type and life stage. This can give you confidence you’re meeting your flock’s needs. Discussing your chickens’ health with a veterinarian is also recommended.
Where to Buy Producer’s Pride Chicken Feed
One unique aspect of the Producer’s Pride brand is that it’s only sold at Tractor Supply locations and online. You won’t find it at other farm stores or feed mills. This exclusivity gives Tractor Supply a distinctive brand to market to poultry raisers shopping their stores.
Some consumers appreciate being able to purchase a quality store-branded product line instead of name brands. Next time you’re browsing the chicken feed selection at your local Tractor Supply, look for the Producer’s Pride logo to take advantage of the Purina manufacturing partnership behind the brand.
Transitioning Chickens to Producer’s Pride Feed
When introducing a new feed, always transition gradually over 5-7 days. Slowly mix in increasing amounts of the new feed to allow the chickens’ digestive system to adjust. This prevents issues like diarrhea that can result from sudden feed changes.
Monitor the chickens’ appetite, egg production, and droppings. Make sure they are tolerating the new diet well. The longer Purina relationship means Producer’s Pride feed should be a safe option, but go slowly when switching feeds as a general best practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Producer’s Pride Chicken Feed
Is Producer’s Pride feed nutritionally balanced?
Yes, Purina’s involvement ensures the feed is nutritionally balanced and formulated based on the latest poultry nutrition research. Different varieties are customized to the requirements of certain chicken breeds and life stages.
Where is Producer’s Pride chicken feed manufactured?
It is manufactured at Purina’s network of feed mills and facilities in the United States. Check bag codes/addresses.
Is Producer’s Pride feed non-GMO or organic?
Some formulations are Non-GMO Project Verified or certified organic. Check labels to confirm. Not all are certified organic.
Does Producer’s Pride contain medications or animal products?
Some starter feeds contain coccidiostat medications.Vegetarian and soy-free formulations are available. Check labels.
How long does Producer’s Pride feed stay fresh?
Around 6 months from manufacturing date if stored properly in cool, dry place. Discard old feed.
Can other poultry or birds eat Producer’s Pride feed?
Yes, formulations are available for turkeys, game birds, waterfowl and other species. Check labels for appropriateness.
The Takeaway on Tractor Supply’s Chicken Feed Brands
Next time you pick up a bag of Producer’s Pride feed, know that trusted Purina quality is behind the brand. While meeting Tractor Supply’s private label needs, Purina also delivers reliable nutrition to poultry at different life stages thanks to decades of experience. Look for the signs of their manufacturing expertise and feed technology on the label.
With an affordable price point and purchasing convenience at Tractor Supply stores, Producer’s Pride can be a smart choice for many backyard chicken flock owners. Just transition slowly, follow feeding guidelines, and supplement with fresh treats for happy, productive chickens.
Best budget layer feed
Kalmbach Feeds All Natural 17% Layer Crumbles offers complete nutrition at a cost-effective price, especially in bulk.
- Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Budget-friendly.
- Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can be purchased in bulk.
- Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Promotes vibrant egg yolks.
- Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes probiotics.
- con icon Two crossed lines that form an X. Some reviews mention food dust at the bottom of bag.
Specifics
- Protein:17% min.
- Calcium:3.5% min., 4.5% max.
- Corn, soybean meal, canola meal, dried corn distillers grains with solubles, and wheat middlings are the main ingredients.
- Available sizes:25 and 50 lbs.
Raising chickens for fresh eggs doesnt have to cost a fortune. Kalmbach Feeds All Natural 17% Layer Crumbles offers a budget-friendly option, especially when purchased in bulk. A 50-pound bag costs around 50 cents per pound. Just be sure to store excess feed in an airtight container secure from pests and moisture.
This nutritious feed, made with corn and soy like many of our top picks, includes probiotics for gut health and Aztec Marigolds for vibrant egg yolks. Blatchford says that this kind of layer feed can be used by all chickens over 18 weeks old, even roosters and hens that are no longer laying eggs.
This recipe also includes canola meal, a good source of essential minerals for poultry. However, too much canola meal in chicken feed can add a fishy flavor to brown eggs. In speaking with the brands staff nutritionist, they say the amount of canola meal included in Kalmbach poultry feeds is carefully monitored to ensure it stays well below levels that might cause this issue. Happily, customer reviews dont mention any problems in eggs laid by hens fed this recipe.
This inexpensive grit from Manna Pro has chick-sized pieces of insoluble crushed granite for good digestion, and it also has probiotics added to it.
- Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Budget-friendly.
- Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Small-flock friendly.
- Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Added probiotics.
- con icon Two crossed lines that form an X. Only comes in one size.
Specifics
- Top ingredients:Insoluble crushed granite and probiotics
- Available sizes:5 lbs.
Chickens lack teeth and instead grind their food in a muscular organ called the gizzard, Karcher says. When foraging outdoors, they naturally consume dirt and small stones that aid in this process. But Blatchford says that young chicks that don’t have access to the outdoors yet need extra chick grit. Grit is made from tiny, specially-sized stones and mimics what theyd eat free-ranging.
More budget-friendly than competitor chick grits, Manna Pro Chick Grit provides essential support for your chicks digestion with insoluble crushed granite, probiotics for gut health, and small, easy-to-eat pieces designed specifically for young chicks. Packaged in a convenient 5-pound bag, this chick grit is ideal for small to medium flocks, so you wont end up with any that goes to waste.
While Manna Pro Chick Grit provides essential support for your chicks digestion, its not a replacement for a complete and balanced chick feed, as some reviewers have mistakenly thought. Rather, it should be sprinkled into chick food or offered alongside chick feed as a supplement.
What is the best diet for chickens to lay eggs?
For the most eggs with durable shells, hens need a diet with 3.5% to 4.5% calcium. Commercially available layer feeds are specifically formulated to meet this need. They often include calcium and/or carbonate sources such as limestone, oyster shells, or meat and bone meal.