Organic pellets v standard

[jersey bean]

Hello! Probably a stupid question but......

Aside from the obvious organic-ness, are there any other benefits to using organic pellets over the standard (half the price) ones?

[bridget mc laughlin]

I don't think that there is much of a difference in themin that way,I go for the standard half price ones. Do you think money grows on trees or something

[Starchild]

Are the standard guaranteed non-GM?

[jersey bean]

THanks, I will check the GM Bit. Will keep an eye out for a money tree to plant for my mini-orchard!!

[MaureenHall]

When you get your money tree, can I have a cutting please?

[armadillo]

The breeder I bought my chooks from was very strong on this point- she told me never to buy cheap feed as it is 'hexane extracted' - ie. usung a petroleum based oil, whereas food that has 'guaranteed no hexane extracted ingrdients' only contains natural oils.
This doesn't mean that the food has to be certified organic, but no organic feed can contain the hexane oil. I thi nk it''s worth seeking out non-hexane feed (I've got 'the smallholder range' food) as you get out what you put in! (You can even get pink eggs by giving 'em beetroot, which i'm going to have to try!)

[jersey bean]

Thanks and gosh! I never thought it would be this technical!! I've got my new hens on the same feed as the guy i bought them from, its non-GM but i will check out the rest. I do like the beetroot idea - makes you wonder what else to try.....altho they're fussy at the moment, don't like lettuce, or dandelions (that will teach me to be lazy - I'll have to start digging them out) but grapes and gooseberries - its a veritable rugby scrum!

[armadillo]

Ooo, the lady said never give them lettuce, it's poisonous to them! Spinach is ok though. She said anything BUT lettuce and raw potato. Curry will produce curry-flavoured eggs too, apparrently!