I hope this will clarify any questions you have about our feeds but, if not, please feel free to contact me for further details, To start with we feed only certified all-natural or certified organic feeds primarily based on their availability. Both feeds are raised with the same exact practices, which means both are raised with no GMO 's, no pesticides or herbicides that are not organic in nature. The difference is that the certified organic farmer spent $40-$50 thousand for certification as well as 10+ years to get it documented. The all natural certified farmer has his land tested but forgoes the expense of the licensing which in turn keeps their products more affordable to those of us doing the same.

The feeds vary in grains based on the stage of development for the birds. Baby chicks require a 20% protein diet for the first 8-13 weeks depending upon the breed as well as the time of the year, babies in winter need 20% for up to 16 weeks. Then the next stage is 18 % protein for growing the birds, but our layers need 16% protein at 14-18 weeks of age with a calcium supplement to assist with shell development, that also is all natural, oyster shells pulverized. We do not ever use antibiotic in their water supply, and being on well water our water gets tested every year as a part of our Michigan Department of Agriculture licensing, which means no chlorine goes into any of our products.

Also during Michigan growing season our poultry get a variety of crops to eat from, the first of the season is a perennial rye that they eat down, we close off that parcel and allow it to re-grow and let them back in for more, All of our property is maintained all naturally, so all grass clippings, weeds, as well as planned food crops go to our birds. We have always raised our chickens this way, because we also eat this food. We even use composted manure from our farm as an organic fertilizer for the crops; this also gets tested.

There is no soy in any of the feeds, but in the baby mix there is only certified organic corn as a portion to get the protein level up to its 20% needed. I understand this to be 10-25 percent depending upon the manufacturer. After the first 8-13 weeks there is no need for the extra protein. The use of organic corn is to prevent the use of questionable soy products being used. Many soy products are GMO in origin, not to mention the other concerns linked to soy products.

I hope this helps,

Sincerely, 

Elizabeth Coates

Aunt Betsy’s Chicken Farm