Poultry Feed FAQs

Feed Freshness FAQs

• What is the shelf life of Nutrena poultry feeds?

  When stored properly in dry, moderate temperature conditions, feed can be stored for up to 4 months, although we recommend usage within 60 days in hot, humid summer months and 90 days in cooler months. Always inspect feed prior to use for bugs, mold, or other evidence of damage.

• How can I tell how fresh my feed is?

  Nutrena feed bags are marked on the tag with a code that indicates what day that bag of feed was produced on.

  On the tag, look for “Lot:” followed by a series of numbers and/or letters. The first two digits (may be letters or numbers) indicate which plant made that product, and then there are 4 digits strung together – the first digit indicates the year, so anything made in 2016 would have a 6, anything after the 1st of 2017 has a 7. Then the next three numbers are called the “Julian Date Code” – these number the days of the year. So, Jan 1 is 001, Jan 2 is 002, and so on until December 31 is 365.

  Example: WB6121 or 596121. These Lot codes would indicate product made in 2016, on the 121st day of the year, or May 1st.

  The first day of each month corresponds with the following Julian Date code:

  001 = Jan 1st
  032 = Feb 1st
  060 = March 1st
  091 = April 1st
  121 = May 1st
  152 = June 1st
  182 = July 1st
  213 = Aug 1st
  244 = Sept 1st
  274 = Oct 1st
  305 = Nov 1st
  335 = Dec 1st

Nutrena Poultry Feeds FAQs

• Does Nutrena offer any poultry feeds that contain medications?

  Both the NatureWise and Country Feeds product lines offer a medicated Chick Starter Grower. Availability is regional, please check with your local Nutrena retailer for product availability.

• Do Nutrena poultry feeds contain any added hormones?

  No, Nutrena poultry feeds do not contain any added hormones.

• Does Nutrena offer any organic poultry feeds?

  We offer Nature Smart Organics Poultry Feed. Availability is regional, please check with your local Nutrena retailer for product availability.

• Does Nutrena offer any soy-free poultry feeds?

  We are pleased to offer NatureWise® Hearty Hen® 18% Protein Soy-Free Pellet, a soy free layer feed.

• Do Nutrena poultry feeds contain any animal by-products?

  NatureWise brand poultry feeds do not contain any animal by-products.

  Country Feeds brand products may contain animal by-products, as they are a good source of amino acids (protein), energy, calcium and phosphorus.

• Do Nutrena feeds contain any ingredients from other countries?

  Cargill, the maker of Nutrena brand products, manufactures its U.S. products entirely within the United States but those products do, in some instances, contain ingredients imported from outside the United States. In those instances, we work closely with our suppliers on controls for promoting high levels of quality and safety in the sourcing of ingredients.

  At Cargill, food safety is a top priority. As there continue to be news reports related to contaminated ingredients we want to assure you that we are evaluating and assessing each new concern. Our approach to these concerns has been to recognize that issues related to intentional and unintentional product contamination are not exclusively unique to any single country or any single product type. We emphasize the use of a rigorous qualification process for all of our suppliers in all countries where we source raw materials to ensure the proper controls and quality and food safety procedures are in place for any of the materials that come in contact with our product. We assure you that Cargill meets all regulatory requirements for its production of animal feed in the United States. Accordingly, we do not expect any of the raw materials that we use in our animal feed products to be of concern.

• Do Nutrena poultry feeds contain Genetically Modified grains?

  Yes. Some of our products may contain genetically modified ingredients. It’s important to remember that all grain is technically genetically-modified, as simple plant breeding is a form of genetic modification.

  Agricultural biotechnology (including genetically engineering grain in a laboratory to enhance desired traits) is thoroughly researched, regulated, and safe to feed your animal. GMO ingredients are prevalent in the feed supply chain. Because grain for feed is purchased in bulk from large storage facilities, it is not possible to tell which corn has been genetically engineered. It is possible to specifically purchase “non-GMO” grains, but this comes at a premium price. Producing feed with non-GMO grains would be cost prohibitive.

  The US Department of Agriculture has facts about Agriculture Biotechnology on their website.

• Do any of Nutrena poultry feeds contain roxarsone or any other arsenic-containing additive?

  No, our feeds do not contain these ingredients.

Poultry Product Selection FAQs

• Is it OK to feed layer feed to chicks?

  Layer feed is not properly balanced for chicks, as it will contain too much calcium. While one or two feedings should not cause a problem, a continuous diet of layer feed to chicks is NOT balanced for proper growth, and chicks may also experience kidney damage.

• Should baby chicks have grit?

  All poultry can have grit and will benefit from it. Note that this is different from oyster shell and coarse calcium carbonate, and does not provide any nutritional benefit – it instead aids in the digestive process.

• Does Nutrena offer a breeder ration for hens?

  Both the NatureWise and Country Feeds Layer feeds meet the nutritional requirements of hens to lay eggs. The nutritional requirements of the hen do not change based on the use of the eggs. A separate breeder ration is not required for producing baby chicks versus producing eggs for consumption.

• What feed do you recommend for geese or ducks that are kept as pets?

  Geese or ducks that are kept as pets or farmyard animals may be fed either the Country Feeds All Flock or the NatureWise All Flock products.

• I don’t see gamebird feeds listed on Nutrena’s site. Do you have any?

  Nutrena does offer gamebird feeds on a regional basis, please check with your local Nutrena retailer for availability.

Poultry Health & Management FAQs

• How much feed should I expect my birds to consume?

  Here are some basic guidelines for how much feed you can expect to go through per bird:

  If you have a baby chick, you can estimate about 10 pounds of feed for the first 10 weeks per bird.
  If you are raising adult birds, the average amount they will eat per week per bird is about 1.5 lbs.
  Amounts will vary however, based on breed, size, if they are producing eggs, if they are allowed to roam and scavenge for bugs, insects, grass, etc.

  Until you are comfortable with how much your birds are eating, you will probably want to check on them a couple of times a day and make sure that their feeders are not getting empty.

  Running your birds out of feed can result in reduced laying, slower growth and less gain.

• When should I start providing grit for my chickens?

  You’ll want to start your chicks on grit, such as NatureWise Poultry Grit, once they leave the brooder and are introduced to outside forage/feed sources that are not solely a pellet or crumble.

  For example, once you start feeding scratch or any grains or once they start foraging on grass/greens or bugs. While they are ONLY eating a pelleted or crumble feed they don’t need grit since their gastric juices are enough to break the food down adequately. But as soon as they get other types of feed they need the grit to break it down so the gut can absorb it.

• Is it necessary to supplement my laying hens diet with oyster shells?

  It is a good idea to provide oyster shell, such as NatureWise Oyster Shell, to your laying hens as a supplemental source of calcium. While Nutrena layer feeds do contain higher levels of calcium for strong eggshells, the level of calcium your hens need will vary based on many factors including age, production level, temperature, environmental factors, etc.

  Providing oyster shell free choice to your hens will allow them to take in more when they need it and help prevent things like soft eggshells, prolapses, and other issues. It is better for your hens to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.

• What is amprolium, and what is it for?

  Amprolium is a medication used to aid in the prevention of coccidiosis.

• What happens if a laying hen eats medicated chick starter? Should we dispose of her eggs for a few days?

  Laying hens can be fed amprolium, and eggs are safe for human consumption. There is no need to dispose of the eggs.

• What is the withdrawal period for meatbirds started on medicated chick starter?

  There is no withdrawal period for meatbirds receiving the NatureWise or Country Feeds Medicated Chick Starters.

• My birds have started pecking at each other, or becoming aggressive. What is making that happen?

  There are a variety of issues that may cause pecking or other aggressive behaviors. One common cause to look for is possible changes in weather that would force the birds to spend more time indoors, where crowding may cause the behavior.

• How do I keep hens from eating their eggs?

  Egg eating can be a frustrating and costly problem – and unfortunately it is a hard habit to break once established. The birds may be lacking that essential nutrient and are finding it in the eggshells. Although our Nutrena layer feeds have extra calcium, it is always still a good idea to provide it free choice through the use of oyster shell. Another possibility is that during molt, your birds were seeking extra protein sources and learned to eat eggs to satisfy that need. They may be done molting, but have learned that eggs are a tasty treat.

  After you give them some oyster shell, you can try a couple of things to help get them to stop the egg eating habit like collect eggs frequently throughout the day to minimize the chance of eating. You can also try putting golf balls or hard fake eggs in the nests so that when they peck they don’t get anything from them; this will sometimes help cure the problem. If one or two birds are eating the eggs be sure to separate them quickly from the rest, as the others will copy this behavior.

• Our eggs have blood spots in them. Should I be concerned?

  Blood spots in eggs can be an indicator of a rupture of some of the tiny blood vessels within the egg itself. As the egg develops, the yolk and the white usually separate at a place where there are no vessels, but occasionally a vessel will happen to get ruptured.

  This can be seen more frequently in older birds or very young birds just starting to lay. It can also be a hereditary trait. These small blood spots are not harmful and the egg can still be consumed.

• My hens lost color in their combs during/after they molted. Is this normal?

  Loss of color on the comb during/after molt is something that happens often and not something to be too concerned about, especially if your hen’s attitude is the same and she is eating and drinking as normal.

• Is it OK to keep my hends around my horses?

  Absolutely! Chickens make excellent barnyard companions for horses. Along with the insect control and composting skills the chickens provide, horses will benefit from some natural “de-spooking” training!

Poultry Gut Health FAQs

• What is gut health in poultry, and why is it important?

  Gut health is the foundation of your flock’s overall health. A healthy digestive system helps chickens break down feed, absorb nutrients, support immune function, and stay resilient during everyday stressors.

  Because much of a chicken’s immune system is located in the digestive tract, supporting gut health can have a positive impact on everything from growth and feed efficiency to egg production and overall well-being.

  Healthy gut function helps support:

  • Efficient digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Strong immune health
  • Feed efficiency and performance
  • Egg production and quality
  • Resilience during times of stress
  • Overall flock health and vitality

• How do diet and environment affect the poultry gut microbiome?

  The gut microbiome is the community of beneficial microorganisms that live in your chickens’ digestive tract. These microbes help support digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall flock health.

  Nutrition plays a major role in maintaining a balanced microbiome. Changes in feed, feeding schedules, or nutrient levels can influence the types and activity of microbes living in the gut.

  Your flock’s environment matters, too. Factors that can put stress on the digestive system include:

  • Heat stress
  • Poor water quality
  • Wet or dirty litter
  • High pathogen exposure
  • Poor ventilation
  • Overcrowding or inadequate housing
  • Management-related stress

  Providing complete nutrition, fresh water, and a clean, comfortable environment helps support a healthier gut microbiome and better flock performance.

• What diseases commonly affect poultry gut health?

  Several diseases and parasites can disrupt digestive health and affect your flock’s performance.

  Common intestinal parasites include:

  • Coccidiosis
  • Histomoniasis (blackhead disease)
  • Roundworms
  • Cecal worms
  • Hairworms
  • Tapeworms

  Other digestive health challenges include:

  • Necrotic enteritis
  • Salmonellosis
  • Colibacillosis
  • Ulcerative enteritis

  These conditions can damage the intestinal lining, reduce nutrient absorption, and negatively affect growth, egg production, feed efficiency, and overall flock health.

• How can nutrition support poultry gut health?

  Proper nutrition is one of the best ways to support digestive health. A complete feed provides the nutrients birds need while helping maintain a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.

  To help support gut health:

  • Feed a complete ration designed for your birds’ life stage
  • Provide continuous access to clean water and fresh feed
  • Maintain consistent feeding routines
  • Choose feeds with ingredients that support digestive health, such as prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, essential oils, herbs, organic acids, and enzymes
  • Limit treats so complete feed remains the primary source of nutrition

  Good nutrition and management work together to support digestion, nutrient utilization, immune health, and overall flock performance.

• What feed ingredients and supplements support poultry gut health?

  Several ingredients can help support digestive health and a balanced gut microbiome in poultry.

  Common gut health-supporting ingredients include:

  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics
  • Postbiotics
  • Yeast cultures
  • Essential oils and plant extracts
  • Organic acids
  • Digestive enzymes

  Nutrena® NatureWise® complete feeds and treats include FlockShield®, a proprietary blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics designed to help support digestive health and maintain a balanced gut environment.

• How can I recognize and assess gut health in poultry?

  Healthy digestion often shows up in your birds’ everyday performance.

  Signs of good gut health include:

  • Strong appetite
  • Consistent growth or egg production
  • Efficient feed utilization
  • Normal droppings

  Signs that digestive health may need attention include:

  • Reduced feed intake
  • Poor growth or body condition
  • Declining feed efficiency
  • Reduced egg production
  • Abnormal droppings
  • Difficulty handling stress

  Monitoring feed intake, droppings, body condition, and overall flock performance can help you identify potential digestive health concerns early.

• What are the signs and effects of poor gut health in poultry?

  When gut health is compromised, birds may not be able to fully digest feed or absorb nutrients efficiently. Over time, this can affect their health, productivity, and performance.

  Potential signs of poor gut health include:

  • Poor nutrient absorption
  • Reduced feed efficiency
  • Slower growth
  • Lower egg production
  • Reduced egg quality
  • Weakened immune function
  • Increased susceptibility to stress
  • Declining overall flock performance

  Supporting gut health through balanced nutrition, clean water, and ingredients that help promote a healthy microbiome can help birds perform their best.

• How are gut health and immunity connected in poultry?

  Gut health and immune health go hand in hand. In fact, much of a chicken’s immune system is associated with the digestive tract.

  A healthy gut helps birds absorb nutrients efficiently, maintain a strong intestinal barrier, and support normal immune function. When digestive health is challenged, immune health may be affected as well.

  That’s why supporting the gut is an important part of supporting the overall health and well-being of your flock. Nutrena’s FlockShield® technology helps provide a strong foundation for digestive and immune support.

• How does stress affect gut health and digestion in poultry?

  Stress can disrupt the balance of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, making it more difficult for birds to digest feed and utilize nutrients efficiently.

  Common sources of stress include:

  • Heat
  • Changes in environment or management
  • Handling
  • Disease challenges
  • Transportation

  Supporting gut health with proper nutrition, fresh water, and consistent management practices can help birds better handle everyday stressors and maintain digestive function.

• What causes poor intestinal integrity in poultry?

  The intestinal lining acts as an important barrier between your bird and the outside environment. When this barrier becomes weakened, digestive function and nutrient absorption can be affected.

  Factors that may contribute to poor intestinal integrity include:

  • Nutritional stress
  • Feed quality issues
  • Mycotoxins
  • Disease challenges
  • Environmental stress
  • Gut microbiome imbalances

  Providing high-quality nutrition, good flock management, and ingredients that support digestive health can help maintain a healthy gut barrier and overall digestive function.