Poultry Feed for Mixed Flocks

FAQs About Feeding Mixed Flocks

If you’re a poultry owner trying to understand the best diet for your multi-species flock, it’s important to read these frequently asked questions about ingredients, diet requirements, and what is guaranteed on your feed tag. In order to choose the best poultry feed for layers, broilers, turkeys, geese, ducks and pheasants, you have to know what factors make a balanced diet and how to compare different products on the market.

• Can you feed layers, broilers, turkeys, geese, ducks and pheasants one feed?

  While it is always ideal to customize a diet for different species and production stages, sometimes with mixed flocks that is not always practical. When multi-species and ages intermix, a more realistic option is sometimes finding a balanced all flock feed and supplementing as needed. When browsing all flock feed options, here are some things to consider:

  • Moderate Protein (16–18%)
    • Enough for ducks, geese, and adult chickens.
    • Acceptable for turkeys and game birds if they’re not in rapid growth phase.
  • Controlled Calcium (0.8–1%)
    • Safe for non-laying birds.
    • Layers will need extra calcium (oyster shell or limestone) offered separately.
  • Balanced Energy
    • Not too high (to avoid obesity in waterfowl).
    • Not too low (so turkeys and broilers don’t starve for growth).
  • Niacin Supplementation
    • Ducks and geese need more niacin than chickens.
    • Look for feeds with added niacin or supplement with brewer’s yeast.
  • No Medications
    • Coccidiostats in chick starter can harm ducks and turkeys.
    • Choose non-medicated for mixed flocks.
  • Crumbles or Pellets
    • Easier for all species to eat than mash.
    • Pellets reduce waste and selective feeding.

• Is it necessary to supplement when you feed your birds an all flock feed?

  A good mixed-flock feed is all about balance and compromise because you’re feeding species with very different needs. Even with the best base nutrition, sometimes it is necessary to supplement with things like:

  • Oyster shell or crushed limestone for layers.
  • Grit for birds without access to soil.
  • Extra protein (mealworms, fish meal) for turkeys or game birds during growth.

• What feed form is best for multi-species flocks?

  For multi-species flocks, the feed form matters because it affects ease of eating, waste reduction, and nutrient intake consistency across different bird types. Depending on what mix of birds you have, here are some general preferences:

  • Crumbles: A crumble like NatureWise All Flock 20% Crumble Poultry Feed is typically easier for small birds (like pheasants and young chicks) to eat than pellets and reduces selective feeding compared to mash. Crumbles also work well for chickens, ducks, and even turkeys.
  • Pellets: Pelleted feed like NatureWise All Flock 20% Pellet Poultry Feed is another option for mixed flocks with larger birds, especially broilers, turkeys, or geese. Pellets generally have less dust, less waste, and birds can’t sort ingredients.