Can I see your chicken coop?

[Pheasant]

Sundown what makes you like nutrena over purina? They are the same non fixed formulas as with horse feed? I thought they were comparable?

A prime example of why I shouldn't write when I'm tired! I forget to mention that I was referring to chicks, not adult fowl. I'll edit my previous post, but will also answer your question here so the explanation isn't lost.

You are correct in saying that there is little difference between the brands' lay feeds. However, Purina's chick starter, Start & Grow, is protein-free. As feathers are comprised primarily of protein, feathering chicks need extra protein during their growth to help them develop strong, silky feathers. My month-old chicks were feathering at a horribly slow rate, but once I switched them to Nutrena's 18% protein medicated starter, I saw progress within a day. They are now almost entirely feathered, whereas they had little more than chick fluff before.