Feed Livestock

Why Breeding Stock Require more than a Standard Layer Diet

When you’re working with hens (and roosters) destined for breeding rather than simply egg production, certain nutritional and management demands rise — here’s some key differences and why they matter:

1. Greater demands on fertility, hatchability, chick vigor

Breeder birds are not just laying eggs to eat — they must produce eggs with optimal shell integrity, viable embryos, and strong hatchlings. That means the nutrition must support reproduction, embryonic development, and offspring robustness.

According to Jeff Mattocks of Fertrell, when you see poor fertility, low hatch‐rates, or weak chicks, it’s often a sign the feed is at “bare minimum” levels for a layer diet instead of being tailored for breeding stock.

Thus, breeders need a feed that goes beyond everyday maintenance and egg production: more amino acids (for tissue and embryo growth), more minerals (for skeletal, shell and reproductive development), and more micronutrients (vitamins, trace elements) to support all that.

2. Different life‐stage and physiological stresses

Breeding birds may be older, may undergo pauses in laying, may be managed for multiple cycles, or may be used for developing progeny lines. Their nutrient reserves (for bone, muscle, reproductive organs) must be maintained.

In contrast, a backyard layer flock is typically optimized for consistent egg output and may not be expected to produce high‐value progeny or maintain generational lines.

3. More emphasis on structure, reserves and longevity

Breeders must maintain skeletal integrity (especially in larger dual‐purpose or heritage breeds), reproductive tract health, and often longer lifespans/laying periods. A typical layer feed may assume the bird is going to be replaced sooner, or it may not account for the cumulative nutritional demand of multiple production cycles.

Jeff emphasizes good ingredient control (whole grains, quality protein sources for amino acid balance) because pasture systems or breeder flocks need that higher level of support.

4. The “dual purpose” dimension

Dual purpose birds put demands on both reproductive and growth/metabolic systems. They may require a different nutrient balance (for muscle development in the roosters, and for egg & progeny production in the hens) not well met by a single formulation of standard layer feed.

How Our Dual Purpose Feeds are Well Suited to Support Breeding Stock:

Premium ingredients + higher Fertrell mineral formulation compared to our standards layer feeds

Life-stage specific options & formulations for targeted nutrition and peak performance

Non-GMO, clean ingredients & quality control – nutritional deficiencies and toxins have a greater downstream impact on birds that you plan to keep around for long term breeding stock. Clean, quality ingredients from day one is crucial.

Meets nutritional requirements recommended by Jeff Mattocks for breeders – higher amino acids, higher ratios of mineral/micronutrients, high quality whole grains.

Our dual purpose line of feeds — non‐GMO, formulated with Fertrell® minerals, available in breeder‐specific phases (Starter, Grower, Layer) — offers precisely the kind of support breeding birds need. By selecting a feed built for this role, producers can improve fertility, hatchability and chick vigor, while maintaining strong flock health.

This is a FAQ around here! Yes, your sheep need copper.

Copper (Cu) is a trace mineral required by all animals, including sheep, for a number of biological functions:

• It is a cofactor for enzymes involved in connective tissue formation, pigmentation, immune function, and redox (oxidation–reduction) metabolism.
• It is required for proper wool coat, nervous system health, and iron metabolism.

Thus, sheep absolutely do need copper — deficiency can produce problems such as poor growth, anemia, changes in coat or wool quality, skeletal issues, or neurological problems (in severe deficiency).

Where sheep differ from other livestock is that they do not need as much of it, and they can be more susceptible to toxicity than other animals. Many sources suggest around 5 ppm as a goal for total dietary copper in sheep under “normal” conditions, which includes intake from all sources such as pasture, water, and fed rations.

Some diets that are higher in copper antagonists can allow for more copper intake. The absorption and storage of copper are strongly influenced by antagonists such as molybdenum (Mo), sulfur (S), iron, and zinc. These elements can bind or complex copper, reducing absorption or helping to prevent excess buildup.

There is also variation between breeds and ages. Some breeds (e.g. Texel, Suffolk, British short-wool breeds) and young lambs are more susceptible to copper toxicosis compared to others. Hair sheep tend to have a higher tolerance.

So how can you make sure your sheep flock is getting just the right amount of copper for ideal health and production?

1. Test your forage and soil to know what your sheep are already getting

2. Use a sheep specific mineral mix like one of the options listed below

3. Use antagonists wisely to avoid deficiencies

4. Limit stress to avoid sudden copper release from the liver

5. Supplement copper from only one source if possible to avoid overdosing

6. Make changes gradually and do periodic liver testing on cull animals if an overdose or deficiency is suspected

We offer several mineral mixes that are appropriate for sheep depending on your flock’s needs. Fertrell’s Sheep Nutri-Balancer and Fertrell’s Grazier’s Choice do not contain added synthetic copper, and are ideal for sensitive breeds or herds already receiving copper elsewhere. Redmond’s Selenium 90 contains added copper at sheep appropriate levels, while supplementing selenium and supporting reproductive health.

Proper management of copper levels in your sheep flock may seem tricky, but don’t let it scare you away from this important mineral! Stick with a quality mineral formulation to take the guesswork out of it for you.

Rather have a ready-made feed ration that already includes Fertrell’s Sheep Nutribalancer and meets the needs of your entire flock from lactating ewes to young lambs? Our 16% Sheep sweet feed provides everything your flock needs.

Feeding Chickens the Right Way Matters

Choosing the correct feeder type—and setting it up properly—can make all the difference for your flock’s health and your feed bill.

✅ We recommend deep trough feeders, adjusted to the height of your chickens’ backs. This setup keeps meat birds from lounging in front of the feeder all day, blocking access for others. It also reduces waste and prevents birds from sorting out their favorite feed particles.

✅ Flow control matters. Feeders with flow adjustment should always be set to the minimum flow needed. This avoids overfeeding and keeps feed fresh and consistent.

✅ Right height, right results. As birds grow, raise the feeders so feed stays at back-height level. This prevents scratching, spilling, and contamination.

✅ Let your feed “breathe”. All feeders need some kind of ventilation and shouldn’t be fully enclosed. This prevents mold growth from condensation, and the release of moisture in freshly milled feeds.

✅ Keep it clean. Regularly check for buildup in feeders—fresh feed means healthier birds and better performance.

Feeding is more than just filling a trough—it’s about smart management that saves you money and supports flock health. 🐥

At Kraut Creek, our passion has always been for wholesome, natural nutrition that lets animals thrive as nature intended. That’s why we primarily recommend ground and whole grain feeds—they support natural foraging behaviors and healthier digestion. Usually the process of pelletizing feed ingredients means compromising some aspects of the ingredient’s nutrition, and sometimes requires the addition of ingredients that we would rather not use in order to get the pellets to bind. This is why it’s not our first choice.

But we also know every farm is different. Some of our customers prefer a pelletized feed. For those farms, we created our Sunshine brand — taking a few of our most popular formulations and offering them in a pelleted form.

What you’ll find in Sunshine feeds:

Non-GMO ingredients you can trust

Balanced nutrition for specific species

Quality vitamins, minerals, and natural additives to keep animals healthy

While Kraut Creek doesn’t promote pellets as the ideal choice, we recognize that they may work best for some farms and homesteads. Sunshine is our way of making sure that if you do choose a pelleted ration, you’re still feeding the very best—always non-GMO, and crafted with care.

Ask us about Sunshine feeds if you require a pelleted option—because we believe that every farm deserves nutrition that fits their unique needs.

See our Sunshine feed labels here

Premium Nutrition for Every Stage of Your Quail’s Life

At Kraut Creek, we know quail aren’t just “small chickens.” Their nutritional needs are different—and their feed should reflect that. Quail grow faster, lay more frequently in proportion to their body size, and require higher levels of protein, amino acids, and calcium than chickens or other poultry. That’s why we’ve crafted a complete Non-GMO Quail Feed Program to support them from hatch to lay.

Quail Starter (Hatch to 3 Weeks)

From hatch to 3 weeks of age, quail need exceptional levels of protein to support rapid growth and feathering. With 30% protein, balanced amino acids, and added vitamins and minerals, our Starter ensures strong, healthy chicks with a foundation for lifelong performance.

Quail Grower (3 Weeks to Butcher Weight)

From 3 weeks until the first egg (or butcher weight), quail benefit from steady, moderate growth. Our Grower feed delivers 22% protein, with the right balance of fat, fiber, calcium, and phosphorus to keep young birds thriving without excess weight gain.

Quail Layer (From first egg Onward)

Once laying begins, nutrition shifts. Quail need not only protein but also high levels of calcium to support strong shells and consistent egg production. Our Layer formula offers 20% protein and 3.5% calcium, giving your quail exactly what they need to stay productive and healthy.

Why Kraut Creek Quail Feeds?

Whether you’re raising quail for eggs, meat, or simply the joy of keeping these amazing little birds, Kraut Creek’s Quail Feeds give them the premium, non-GMO nutrition they deserve.

Duck Nutrition 101:

Not all poultry are the same—and that’s especially true when it comes to ducks. While chickens, turkeys, and other birds share some nutritional needs, ducks have unique dietary requirements that make a specialized feed essential for their long-term health and productivity.

That’s why our Non-GMO Duck Layer 17% was designed specifically for laying ducks. Here’s what makes it different:

Higher Niacin Levels

Ducks need more niacin (vitamin B3) than chickens. Without it, they can develop leg problems and poor growth. This feed includes niacin supplementation to keep ducks strong and active, without overdoing it.

Correct Protein & Amino Acid Balance

At 17% protein with carefully balanced lysine and methionine, this ration supports steady egg production without overloading ducks with excess protein that can stress their systems.

Optimized Calcium for Strong Eggshells

Ducks require strong shells but not the extremely high calcium levels that chickens sometimes get. This feed keeps calcium at 3–4%, the sweet spot for duck layers—strong shells, healthy bones.

Added Probiotics & Fermentation Extracts

Because ducks love water and can be prone to wet litter conditions, gut health is critical. The addition of beneficial microbes helps digestion and overall resilience.

Proper Fat & Energy Levels

Ducks burn more energy (especially in cooler weather and when foraging). With 7.5% fat, this feed provides extra calories compared to most chicken layer feeds.

Feeding Directions

Provide as the sole ration once ducks begin laying, and continue throughout their laying cycle. They should eat around 3-4oz per head for laying ducks. Always keep fresh, clean water available—ducks need more water than chickens to eat comfortably and stay healthy.

With the right nutrition, your ducks will reward you with strong, beautiful eggs and long-lasting health.

FAQ: Can this feed be used for chickens and turkeys?

Yes, Duck layer can be safely fed to chickens and turkeys . The higher levels of niacin that ducks need will not hurt your other poultry.

At Kraut Creek, every ingredient that goes into our feeds has a purpose — and oils (like sesame and soybean) play an important role in animal health and nutrition.

Why add oils?

Oils are a concentrated source of energy that help animals maintain healthy weight and production levels. This is because they are almost 100% fat. Fats are not bad but a little goes a long way, giving you more bang for your nutritional buck! They also improve feed texture, reduce dust, prevent sorting (picking out the tasty bits and leaving the fines), and make rations more palatable — so animals are more likely to eat well and thrive.

🌿 Sesame oil benefits

• Naturally rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
• Supports healthy skin, coat, and feather condition
• Helps balance omega fatty acids for improved overall wellness

🌱 Soybean oil benefits

• A reliable source of energy for growth and performance
• Provides linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid animals can’t make on their own
• Supports reproductive health and strong immune systems

Answering the Omega Question

But oils are high in omega-6s, right? Yes, but grass-fed animal diets are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and improving immunity. Oils like sesame and soybean contribute more omega-6 fatty acids, which are equally important for skin health, energy metabolism, and growth. Oils are used as a comparatively small percentage of an overall livestock ration. Remember – a small amount of oil goes a long way!

By thoughtfully using these oils in quality feeds and combined with grass-based practices, we help create a healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. This balance ensures animals get the benefits of both — steady energy, strong immune function, and overall vitality.

Why Quality Matters

Not all oils are created equal, and bad processing is what gives many oils a bad rep. Commercial oils are often extracted using chemical solvents like hexane and processed at high heat. Our oils and meals are never solvent extracted, instead they are expeller-pressed. Poor-quality oils can go rancid quickly, losing nutritional value and even harming animal health. That’s why we only use fresh, high-quality, non-GMO oils in our feeds — ensuring your animals receive clean energy and essential nutrients in every bite.

Raising healthy, strong turkeys starts with the right nutrition at every stage of growth. At Kraut Creek, we’ve developed a complete feeding program designed to meet your turkeys’ needs from day one through market weight—all with premium, verified Non-GMO ingredients.

1. Turkey Starter (Day 0 – 4 Weeks of Age)

Protein: 25%

Supports: Early growth, muscle development, and a strong immune system.

Feeding Directions: Feed as the sole ration from hatching through 4 weeks of age.

Average Intake: About 1 lb. of feed per poult per week, increasing steadily as they grow.

2. Turkey Grower (4 – 8 Weeks of Age)

Protein: 23%

Supports: Continued growth, feathering, and bone strength.

Feeding Directions: Feed as the sole ration from approximately 4 to 8 weeks of age.

Average Intake: By 8 weeks, poults may consume 2–3 lbs. per bird per week.

3. Turkey Finisher (8 Weeks – Harvest)

Protein: 18%

Supports: Finishing weight gain and balanced nutrition without excess protein.

Feeding Directions: Feed as the sole ration from 8 weeks to market weight.

Average Intake: Turkeys will eat 3–5 lbs. of feed per bird per week, depending on age and breed.

Why Choose Kraut Creek Turkey Feeds?

Non-GMO Project Verified

Balanced protein, vitamins, and minerals for each life stage

Formulated with roasted soybeans, grains, alfalfa meal, fish meal, kelp, probiotics, and essential minerals

Always fresh, natural, and designed to keep your birds healthy and thriving

With Kraut Creek’s complete turkey feed program, you can be confident your flock is getting the right nutrition at the right time, from hatch to harvest, onto your Thanksgiving dinner table!

Our “Kraut Creek Plus” line of feeds combines the power of OGS with any of our existing feed products.

What Is OGS?

Organic Gut Solution (OGS) is a carbon‑based, regenerative gut‑health supplement crafted by Verticarb, Inc. It uses activated organic biochar, combined with montmorillonite clay and diatomite, to naturally support and optimize digestive health across species.

It is tailored to the specific nutritional and gut‑health needs of each species (“Poultry Formula”, “Bovine Formula”, etc.) using bio‑available minerals to avoid depleting the animal’s reserves. It is chemical‑free and organic-friendly, making it a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters and medicated feeds.

What Does OGS Do?

1. Balances pH & Binds Toxins

OGS creates a gut environment that reduces acid stress, binds harmful bacteria and toxins, and safely removes them via waste—all while encouraging beneficial gut flora to thrive.

2. Improved Feed Efficiency & Production

When digestion is optimized, animals can extract more nutrition from feed. This results in better weight gain, higher milk production, more consistent egg laying, or extended laying periods. Not to mention lower feed costs!

3. Immune Support & Stress Reduction

When gut balance is maintained, an animals body can shift focus toward immune function. Field reports note calmer flocks, lower mortality under stress, and improved recovery from challenges like coccidiosis or enteritis.

4. Lower Odor, Healthier Feathers & Skin

Users report reduced manure odor, shinier and fuller feathers, shinier coats, and overall improved appearance of their herds & flocks.

5. Ease of Use & Flexibility

Suitable for all animal types regardless of age—OGS can be offered free‑choice, mixed into feed, or top‑dressed. Have multiple species on your farm? Buy our bulk bag to share among all of your animals.

When to Use OGS?

Especially helpful during stress and transition periods, young animal development, and gut challenges like coccidiosis, scours, or enteritis. Use as needed during these periods or keep OGS in your feed year-round to boost growth and provide extra immunity—without the drawbacks of antibiotics or harsh additives.

Try the KC Plus line of your favorite Kraut Creek feed to level up your feed game!

Already have your feed in the barn? Purchase a bag of species-specific OGS supplement to top dress, or a bulk bag for all species!

Corn and soybeans have long been the cornerstone ingredients in commercial livestock feed—and for good reason. Both are affordable, widely available, and nutritionally dense. However, a growing number of farmers and homesteaders are choosing to move away from these staples, opting instead for corn- and soy-free rations. Understanding both sides of this debate can help livestock owners make informed decisions based on the needs of their animals, land, and values.

Corn and soy are widely used in livestock diets because they provide key nutritional building blocks:

 Corn is energy-dense and high in carbohydrates, making it a cost-effective way to fuel growth and weight gain in animals like poultry, pigs, and cattle.

 Soy is one of the most efficient plant-based protein sources, offering a balanced amino acid profile that supports muscle development, milk production, and egg laying. It is one of the only plant-based proteins with a complete amino acid profile.

Beyond nutrition, these crops are mass-produced and easily sourced, which helps keep feed prices relatively low and consistent across the industry. Their use also supports predictable performance in commercial farming environments.

Despite the benefits, there are several reasons why some producers and homesteaders are shifting away from corn- and soy-based feeds:

1. Allergies and Sensitivities

Some animals, particularly poultry, may exhibit allergic reactions or digestive issues when fed diets heavy in soy or corn. Eliminating these ingredients can help improve overall health, digestion, and feather condition.

Beyond the animal, there has been some concern about the persistence of certain grain proteins or chemicals in the by-products of animals who are fed those grains. For example, the concern is that someone with a gluten sensitivity may react to meat or eggs from poultry that is fed a diet containing wheat. If we unpack that with science, there is no strong scientific evidence that people with food sensitivities to corn, gluten, or soy will react to meat from animals fed those grains. Studies show that muscle meat does not retain feed proteins in a form that would typically trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.

However, here are a few important points to consider:

*Milk and eggs are more likely to carry trace proteins.

*Highly sensitive individuals or those with true allergies may wish to avoid products from animals fed those ingredients, just to be safe.

*Personal experience and symptom tracking are often the best guide for those with complex sensitivities.

The jury is still out whether these grains themselves are to blame for food sensitivities, or if it is the chemicals added to them in commercial agriculture that is the cause. But the avoidance of corn and soy in your animal’s feed by individuals with sensitivities can offer peace of mind in consuming their products.  

2. Non-GMO and Organic Preferences

Most conventional corn and soy in the U.S. are genetically modified (GMO). For those committed to organic or regenerative farming practices, feeding non-GMO or organic alternatives is often a higher priority—even if they come at a higher cost. All Kraut Creek premium feeds, whether corn/soy free or not, are verified non-GMO.

3. Balanced Nutrition from Alternative Sources

Many alternative grains and legumes—such as peas, barley, oats, flaxseed, and sunflower meal—can provide comparable nutrition without relying on corn or soy. With careful formulation, these feeds can meet the specific needs of livestock without sacrificing health or productivity.

4. Sustainability and Crop Diversity

Corn and soy are often grown in large-scale monocultures that can contribute to soil depletion and loss of biodiversity. By choosing ingredients from a wider variety of crops, farmers can support more sustainable agricultural systems.

5. Consumer Demand

Some buyers seek out products from animals raised on corn- and soy-free diets, particularly in niche markets such as pasture-raised, heritage breeds, or allergen-friendly meat and eggs. This growing demand can offer farmers a marketing edge to sell their products.

Feeding livestock a corn- and soy-free ration can offer several benefits:

• Improved digestion and animal health in sensitive individuals
• Cleaner labeling for direct-to-consumer marketing (e.g., “corn- and soy-free eggs”)
• Greater diversity in feed ingredients, supporting resilient farm systems
• Alignment with personal or consumer values, such as non-GMO or regenerative agriculture

However, it’s important to note that going corn- and soy-free usually requires more complex feed formulations and may come at a higher cost. Balancing protein and energy with alternative ingredients takes careful planning to avoid nutritional deficiencies. You’ll notice our soy-free rations include a carefully balanced mix of grains and meals to create the full amino acid profile that is not being supplied by soybeans.

Corn and soy have earned their place in livestock nutrition due to their cost-effectiveness and nutritional benefits. However, they are not the only options. As awareness grows around health sensitivities, environmental concerns, and consumer preferences, corn- and soy-free feeds are becoming more popular—and we are here to fill that need. Here are some examples of corn and soy alternatives we use here at Kraut Creek:

Conclusion

Choosing whether or not to feed corn and soy comes down to your farming goals, the needs of your animals, and the values you want your products to represent. Either way, understanding the pros and cons can help you feed your animals with confidence and purpose, not based around hype or scary headlines.

Check out our current corn and/or soy-free options for poultry and swine.

Interested in a custom formulation for your own specific needs? Reach out to us!

FAQ: Why are there Pellets in the Corn/Soy Free Feeds?

This is a question we get a lot! You may have noticed there are pellets in the corn/soy free formulations of chicken feed. These are most noticeable in the layer feed, as it is not ground up like in the starter and grower versions. These pellets are what we call “protein pellets” and are a pelletized form of all the protein sources we use in place of soybeans. This provides the protein base around which we build the rest of the formulation.

Why are they pelletized? It serves two purposes: One, to reduce the amount of fines in the feed, because a significant portion of the alternative protein sources are fine materials. Two, it ensures a consistent level of protein and complete amino acid profile across the batch of feed, so your birds are getting an adequately balanced diet throughout the bag. If your birds tend to leave pellets behind, we recommend withholding the addition of more feed until they have cleaned these up, because they are a crucial part of the feed ration.