Organic Chicken Feed: What to Look for When Feeding a Backyard Flock
What Makes Feed Organic
For chicken feed to carry a USDA certified organic label, all ingredients must be produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Animals cannot receive antibiotics or synthetic hormones. The certification involves third-party inspection of the entire supply chain. This means no pesticide residues, no glyphosate, and grains grown in healthier soil with more complete nutrition.
Life Stage Matters
Chick starter (0-8 weeks) needs 18-22% protein for rapid growth. Grower feed (8-18 weeks) steps down to 16-18% protein with low calcium. Layer feed (18 weeks and laying) needs 3.5-4.5% calcium from oyster shell or limestone and 16-17% protein. Broiler feed needs 20-22% protein with quality fat sources for meat quality.
What Else to Look For
Look for probiotics and prebiotics, organic kelp for trace minerals, and a natural methionine source. Supplement with free-choice oyster shell, grit, and fermented grain mixes. Browse our homestead and farm supplies for organic chicken feed and poultry supplements. Feeding your flock well is one of the best investments you can make.
