When raising baby chicks, finding the best chick feeds is crucial for their growth and development. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which feed is best for your flock. In this blog post, we’ll compare six popular medicated and non-medicated chick feeds from Purina, Manna Pro, and Scratch and Peck Feeds. We’ll evaluate each based on nutritional balance, quality of feed, cost, availability, feed form, digestibility, brand reputation, and health concerns.
Table of Contents
- Table Comparing Organic Best Chick Feeds
- Table Comparing Non-Organic Best Chick Feeds
- Best Budget Non-Medicated Starter/Grower Chick Feed
- Best Budget Medicated Starter/Grower Chick Feed
- Best Budget Starter Chick Feed
- Best Budget Grower Chick Feed
- Best Non-Medicated Organic Starter Chick Feed
- Best Non-Medicated Organic Grower Chick Feed
- Best Non-Medicated Non-Organic Starter/Grower Chick Feed
- Best Medicated Non-Organic Starter/Grower Chick Feed
- Key Considerations for Best Chick Feeds
Table Comparing Organic Best Chick Feeds
| Brand/ Variety |
 |
 |
 |
 |
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| Scratch and Peck Chick Starter Mash | Scratch and Peck Chick Starter Crumbles | Scratch and Peck Chick Grower Mash | New Country Organics Starter Chick Feed Granules | New Country Organics Grower Chick Feed | |
| More Info | Available Here On Amazon | Available Here On Amazon | Available Here On Amazon | Available Here On Amazon | Available Here On Amazon |
| User Review | |||||
| User Score | 4.6/5.0 | 4.4/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 | 4.0/5.0 |
| Total Reviews | 2,521 | 266 | 2,521 | 15 | 8 |
| Nutrition | |||||
| Protein % | 20.5% | 20.5% | 17% | 21% | 19% |
| Ingredients | Organic Wheat, Organic Barley, Organic Peas, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Fish Meal, Ground Limestone, Organic Sunflower Oil, Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal, Organic Dehydrated Kelp Meal, Salt, dl-Methionine, Organice Vegetable Oil, Hemicellulose Extract, Organic Origanum Oil, Organic Cinnamon Bark Oil, Organic Thyme Oil, Active Dry Yeast, Organic Wheat Flour, Vitamins, Minerals | Organic Wheat, Organic Peas, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Fish Meal, Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal, Ground Limestone, Organic Dehydrated Kelp Meal, Salt, dl-Methionine, Organic Vegetable Oil, Hemicellulose Extract, Organic Origanum Oil, Organic Cinnamon Bark Oil, Organic Thyme Oil, Active Dry Yeast, Selenium Yeast, Organic Wheat Flour, Penicillum Funiculosum Fermentation Product, Vitamins, Minerals | Organic Wheat, Organic Barley, Organic Peas, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Fish Meal, Ground Limestone, Organic Sunflower Oil, Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal, Organic Dehydrated Kelp Meal, Salt, dl-Methionine, Organic Vegetable Oil, Hemicellulose Extract, Organic Origanum Oil, Organic Cinnamon Bark Oil, Organic Thyme Oil, Active Dry Yeast, Selennium Yeast, Organic Wheat Flour, Penicillium Funiculosum Fermentation Product, Vitamins, Minterals | Organic Field Peas, Organic Barley, Fish Meal, Organic Wheat, Organic Oats, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Organic Flax seed, Organic Vegetable Oil (Organic Sunflower or Organic Flax), Organic Dehydrated Kelp Meal, Salt, dl-Methionine, Active Dry Yeast, Probiotics, Vitamins, Minerals | Organic Peas, Organic Barley, Organic Wheat, Organic Oats, Fish Meal, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Organic Flaxseed, Dried Organic Kelp, Organic Sunflower Oil, Salt, dl-Methionine, Organic Vegetable Oil, Probiotics, Active Dry Yeast, Vitamins, Minerals |
| Nutritional Analysis | Crude Protein MIN 20.5%, Crude Fat MIN 4%, Crude Fiber MAX 6%, Calcium MIN 0.9%, Calcium MAX 1.4%, Phosphorus MIN 0.6%, Salt MIN 0.2%, Salt MAX 0.7%, Ash MAX 8.5%, Lysine MIN 1%, Methionine MIN 0.4% | Crude Protein MIN 20.5%, Crude Fat MIN 3.0%, Crude Fiber MAX 5.5%, Calcium MIN 0.9%, Calcium MAX 1.4%, Phosphorus MIN 0.6%, Salt MIN 0.2%, Salt MAX 0.7%, Ash MAX 7.5%, Lysine MIN 1.1%, Methionine MIN 0.4% | Crude Protein MIN 17%, crude Fat MIN 3%, Crude Fiber MAX 5.5%, Calcium MIN 0.8%, Calcium MAX 1.3%, Phosphorus MIN 0.5%, Salt MIN 0.2%, Salt MAX 0.7%, Ash MAX 8%, Lysine MIN 0.8%, Methionine MIN 0.3% | Crude Protein MIN 21%, Lysine MIN 1%, Methionine MIN 0.3%, Crude Fat MIN 35, Crude Fiber MAX 5%, Calcium MIN 0.75%, Calcium MAX 1.25%, Phosphorus 0.45%, Salt MIN 0.25%, Salt MAX 0.75% | Crude Protein MIN 19%, Lysine MIN 1%, Methionine MIN 0.3%, Crude Fat MIN 3%, Crude Fiber MAX 5%, Calcium MIN 0.75%, Calcium MAX 1.25%, Phosphorous 0.45%, Salt MIN 0.25%, Salt MAX 0.75% |
| Form | Mash | Crumbles | Mash | Ground Granules | Flake |
| Non-GMO | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medicated | No | No | No | No | No |
| Bag Size | 25# | 25# | 25# | 40# | 40# |
| Pricing | |||||
| Price On Amazon | $52.99 | $50.34 | $47.49 | $79.79 | $73.99 |
| Price/# | $2.11/# | $2.01/# | $1.90/# | $1.99/# | $1.84/# |
Table Comparing Non-Organic Best Chick Feeds
| Brand/ Variety |
 |
 |
 |
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| Purina Start & Grow Medicated Chick Feed Crumbles | Purina Start & Grow Non-Medicated Chick Feed Crumbles | Manna Pro Medicated Starter Grower Chick Feed Crumbles | Manna Pro Non-Medicated Starter Grower Chick Feed Crumbles | |
| More Info | Available Here On Amazon | Available Here On Amazon | Available Here On Amazon | Available Here On Amazon |
| User Reviews | ||||
| User Score | 4.7/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Total Reviews | 350 | 560 | 6,219 | 2,618 |
| Nutrition | ||||
| Protein % | 18% | 18% | 18% | 18% |
| Ingredients | Ground corn, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Corn Distillers Dried Grains Solubles, Cane Molasses, Soybean Oil, Salt, dl-Methionine, L-Lysine, Yeast Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Yeast, Dried Chicory Root, Organic Soybean Oil, Aztec Marigold Extract, Probiotics, Vitamins, Minerals. **Active Drug: Amprolium (coccidiosis prevention) - 0.0125% | Ground Corn, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Cane Molasses, Soybean Oil, Salt, dl-Methionine, L-Lysine, Yeast Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Yeast, Dried Chicory Root, Organic Soybean Oil, Aztec Marigold Extract, Probiotics, Vitamins, Minerals | Corn, Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, dl-Methionine, Salt, Propionic Acid, Vitamins, Minerals. **Active Drug: Amprolium (coccidiosis prevention) | Grain Products, Processed Grain By-Products, Plant Protein Products, Salt, dl-Methionine, Propionic Acid (preservative), Vitamins, Minerals |
| Nutritional Analysis | Crude Protein MIN 18%, Lysine MIN 0.9%, Methionine MIN 0.34%, Crude Fat MIN 3%, Crude Fiber MAX 5%, Calcium MIN 0.75%, Calcium MAX 1.25%, Phosphorus MIN .55%, Salt MIN 0.25%, Salt MAX 0.75%, Sodium MAX 0.51%, Manganese MIN 55.00 ppm, Vitamin A MIN 5,000 IU/lb., Vitamin E MIN 14 IU/lb., Vital Microorganisms MIN 84,000,000 CFU/lb. | Crude Protein MIN 18%, Lysine MIN 0.9%, Methionine MIN 0.34%, Crude Fat MIN 3%, Crude Fiber MAX 5%, Calcium MIN 0.75%, Calcium MAX 1.25%, Phosphorus 0.55%, Salt MIN 0.25%, Salt MAX 0.75%, Sodium MAX 0.51%, Manganese MIN 55.00 ppm, Vitamin A MIN 5,000 IU/lb, Vitamin E 14 IU/lb, Total Microorganisms MIN 84,000,000 CFU/lb. | Crude Protein MIN 18%, Lysine MIN 0.85%, Methionine MIN 0.3%, Crude Fat MIN 2.5%, Crude Fiber MAX 7%, Calcium MIN 0.75%, Calcium MAX 1.25%, Phosphorus MIN 0.7%, Salt MIN 0.25%, Salt MAX 0.75%, Sodium MAX 0.5%, Vitamin A MIN 3,000 IU/lb, Vitamin D3 MIN 1,000 IU/lb, Vitamin E 20 IU/lb. | Crude Protein MIN 18%, Lysine MIN 0.85%, Methionine MIN 0.25%, Crude Fat MIN 2.5%, Crude Fiber MAX 7%, Calcium MIN 0.75%, Calcium MAX 1.25%, Phosphorus MIN 0.7%, Salt MIN 0.25%, Salt MAX 0.75%, Sodium MAX 0.5%, Vitamin A MIN 3,500 IU/lb, Vitamin E MIN 20 IU/lb |
| Form | Crumbles | Crumbles | Crumbles | Crumbles |
| Non-GMO | No | No | No | No |
| Medicated | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Bag Size | 25# | 25# | 5# | 5# |
| Pricing | ||||
| Price on Amazon | $36.79 | $35.79 | $6.99 | $14.73 |
| Price/# | $1.47/# | $1.43/# | $1.40/# | $2.94/# |
Best Budget Non-Medicated Starter/Grower Chick Feed
Purina Start & Grow Non-Medicated Chick Feed Crumbles, 18% Protein, 25# Bag
4.6/5.0 Rating
Main Highlights
What We Like
What We Didn't Like
- Average percentage of protein
- Good Amount of Fiber
- Contain Probiotics
- Lower Cost per Pound then other Chick Feeds
- Crumble form is less wasteful
- Fat content a little low
- Contains Corn
- Contains Soy
Best Budget Medicated Starter/Grower Chick Feed
Main Highlights
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
- Average Protein Content
- Lower cost compared the other medicated chick feeds
- Crumble form is less wasteful
- Fat content a little low
- Fiber content a little high
- Contains Corn and Soy
- No Probiotics
Best Budget Starter Chick Feed
New Country Organics Starter Chick Feed Granules, 19% Protein, 40# Bag
4.5/5.0 Rating
Main Highlights
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
- Good Amount of Fiber
- Contain Probiotics
- No added fillers
- Fat content a little low
- Customer Reviews a little low
Best Budget Grower Chick Feed
Main Highlights
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
- Good Amount of Fiber
- No added fillers
- Average Protein Content
- Fat content a little low
- No Probiotics
- Mash may be more wasteful
Best Non-Medicated Organic Starter Chick Feed
Main Highlights
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
- Good Amount of Fiber
- No added fillers
- Good amount of fat
- No Probiotics
- Mash may be more wasteful
Best Non-Medicated Organic Grower Chick Feed
Main Highlights
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
- Good Amount of Fiber
- No added fillers
- Average Protein Content
- Fat content a little low
- No Probiotics
- Mash may be more wasteful
Best Non-Medicated Non-Organic Starter/Grower Chick Feed
Purina Start & Grow Non-Medicated Chick Feed Crumbles, 18% Protein, 25# Bag
4.6/5.0 Rating
Main Highlights
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
- Average percentage of protein
- Good Amount of Fiber
- Contain Probiotics
- Lower Cost per Pound then other Chick Feeds
- Crumble form is less wasteful
- Fat content a little low
- Contains Corn
- Contains Soy
Best Medicated Non-Organic Starter/Grower Chick Feed
Main Highlights
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
- Average Protein Content
- Lower cost compared the other medicated chick feeds
- Crumble form is less wasteful
- Fat content a little low
- Fiber content a little high
- Contains Corn and Soy
- No Probiotics
Key Considerations for Best Chick Feeds
Nutritional Balance
When selecting the best chick feed, ensuring proper nutritional balance is crucial for healthy growth and development. A quality chick feed must contain the right levels of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support the chicks’ energy needs and immune function. For young chicks, a high-protein starter feed (typically 18-20% protein) is essential in the early weeks to support rapid growth and feather development. As the chicks mature, it’s important to transition them to grower feed, which has a lower protein content (around 15-18%) to match their changing nutritional requirements. This shift helps prevent issues like excess weight gain while ensuring that the chicks continue to receive adequate nutrients as they prepare for adulthood. Selecting the right feed at each stage of growth is key to maintaining a healthy, productive flock.
Quality of Chick Feed
When choosing the best chick feed, the quality of the ingredients is a critical factor in promoting healthy growth and overall vitality. High-quality feed should be made from premium ingredients that provide balanced nutrition, including essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, to support the chicks’ rapid development. It’s important to avoid feeds containing harmful additives such as artificial colors, preservatives, or low-quality fillers, such as corn or soy, which can negatively impact chick health and lead to poor growth performance. Instead, look for feed with natural ingredients and a proven nutritional profile to ensure your chicks receive the nutrients they need without the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances. High-quality feed not only supports healthy growth but also helps build a strong immune system and improves the long-term well-being of the flock.
Cost of Chick Feed
Cost is an important consideration when choosing the best chick feed, but it’s essential not to sacrifice quality for the sake of affordability. While there are many feed options available at varying price points, it’s crucial to find a balance between cost and the nutritional quality required for healthy chick development. Cheaper feeds may contain lower-quality ingredients or lack the necessary nutrients, leading to health issues or stunted growth, which could result in higher veterinary costs down the line. At the same time, it’s important to consider the quantity of feed needed to sustain your chicks throughout their growth stages. Calculating the total cost based on both price per bag and the number of chicks in your flock will help you find a feed option that is both cost-effective and nutritionally sufficient. By striking this balance, you can ensure your chicks receive the best nutrition without breaking your budget.
Availability of Best Chick Feed
When choosing the best chick feed, it’s essential to consider the availability of your preferred brand to ensure a consistent supply for your flock’s growth and health. A reliable supply chain is crucial since sudden changes in feed type or quality can affect the chicks’ digestion and development. Dealing with potential shortages or supply chain disruptions may require stocking up on feed when possible or having a secondary, comparable feed option ready. It’s also helpful to check with local suppliers or feed stores about their inventory practices and ask if they can special order your preferred brand in case of limited availability.
Health Concerns When Choosing the Best Chick Feed
Health concerns play a significant role in selecting the best chick feed, as the quality and composition of the feed directly impact the chicks’ growth and well-being. One important decision is choosing between organic and conventional feeds. Organic feeds, free from synthetic pesticides and chemicals, can promote long-term health and align with a natural, holistic approach, while conventional feeds are often more affordable and widely available. Another key consideration is the feed’s ingredients, as certain additives or fillers could negatively affect digestion or overall health. Additionally, choosing between medicated and non-medicated feed is crucial. Medicated feeds help prevent diseases like coccidiosis, especially in areas where it’s prevalent, while non-medicated feed is often preferred for chicks raised in controlled environments or by those seeking antibiotic-free options.
Digestibility of Chick Feed
When selecting the best chick feed, digestibility is a key factor in ensuring proper nutrient absorption and healthy growth. Baby chicks have sensitive digestive systems, so it’s essential to choose a feed that is easily digestible and specifically formulated for their developmental needs. Crumbles or finely ground feeds are typically ideal for young chicks, as they are easier to consume and process. Monitoring your chicks for signs of digestive issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, or reduced appetite, can help detect feed intolerance or other digestive concerns early. If any issues arise, it may be necessary to switch to a more digestible or specialized feed to ensure the chicks are getting the nutrients they need without distress.
Feed Form of Chick Feed
When choosing the best chick feed, the form of the feed—crumbles, mash, or pellets—plays a crucial role in ensuring that chicks can easily consume and digest their food. For baby chicks, crumbles are often the most suitable option, as they are small, uniform, and easy for chicks to pick up and eat. Mash, a finer and loose form, is another option, but it can be messier and may lead to selective feeding where chicks pick out certain ingredients. Pellets, on the other hand, are typically too large and hard for young chicks to eat, making them more appropriate for older birds. Selecting the right form of feed ensures that chicks are eating the correct portion sizes and getting balanced nutrition without waste or frustration.
Brand Reputation of the Best Chick Feed
Brand reputation is a vital consideration when choosing the best chick feed, as it can significantly influence the quality and reliability of the feed you provide. Trusting a brand’s claims about its feed’s nutritional value requires a careful review of the brand’s history, transparency in ingredient sourcing, and adherence to industry standards. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from other poultry keepers can offer valuable insights into the feed’s performance and the brand’s customer service. Feedback from experienced poultry enthusiasts helps validate whether the feed lives up to its promises and whether it has contributed positively to the health and growth of their chicks, ensuring that you make an informed and confident choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the best starter chick feed for your baby chicks depends on your specific needs and priorities. For those prioritizing disease prevention, the Purina Start & Grow Medicated or Manna Pro Medicated options are excellent choices. If you prefer non-medicated feed, both Purina and Manna Pro offer high-quality alternatives. For those committed to organic and non-GMO farming, Scratch and Peck Feeds provide exceptional products, though at a higher cost. Consider your flock’s specific needs, budget, and health goals when selecting good food for chicks. The best feed ensures your chicks grow into healthy, robust chickens.
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