Benefits of Organic Poultry Feed
Authored by Jemma Petts
Going organic is a popular topic these days and chicken feed is not left out of the conversation. Flock owners are making the switch to organic poultry feed for promises of better bird health, while others are going organic for clean growth and production. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking organic chicken feed, we’re breaking down what makes organic feed different.
How does chicken feed get the organic label?
Feed that is labeled organic needs to meet the specific requirements for certification. All ingredients must be grown on an organic-certified farm, without the use of growth promoters, antibiotics, fertilizers or chemicals. The mark of organic chicken feed is providing all the nutrients for birds with natural and untreated ingredients.
Organic chicken feed ingredients
You'll find many of the same ingredients in organic brands, including certified organic wheat, barley, peas, flaxseed meal and soybeans. The list may also include fish meal and sesame seed oil. Whatever the ingredient list contains, they must all work together to provide full nutritional value for poultry.
What nutrients do chickens need?
Amino acids, enzymes, trace elements, protein and vitamins are crucial pieces to a chicken's balanced diet. Depending on where birds are in there lifestage, they may need more of protein and minerals. Here's a quick guide:
Chicks
Little ones need a minimum protein of 18% and the maximum of 21%; a minimum calcium of 1% and a maximum of 1.45%.
Laying hens
Hens who are busy laying need a boost with minimum protein of 16% and a maximum of 18%; a minimum calcium of 3% and a maximum of 5%.
Broilers
Birds raised for meat need a minimum protein of 18% and a maximum of 20%; a minimum calcium of 0.90% and a maximum of 1.5%.
Benefits of organic feed
Ever heard the phrase, 'you are what you eat'? If you are raising poultry for egg production or meat, you are ingesting what your flock is. Organic feed is GMO-free, something a lot of people believe is a healthier diet. If you are trying to live a natural lifestyle, organic feed for your birds is the way to go.
Some other benefits include: production is environmentally friendly, could keep diet-related health issues down for your flock, and peace of mind what your birds are eating is clean.
Organic chicken feed cost
It's no secret going organic costs more. Organic chicken feed can run up to 30% higher in cost, but it's not without reason. Labor is more intensive, driving up cost. That labor is handpicking weeds and bugs from crops. To keep the feed clean, it needs to be processed separately, which also requires more labor. Organic feed requires government certification. Lastly, due to the lack of chemical intervention, supply can quickly be limited by weather.
Making your own poultry feed
For backyard poultry owners, growing their own feed isn't conducive to their lifestyle or their space. Choosing to pay a few extra dollars at the register for commercial organic chicken feed can be a good trade off for peace of mind.
