Transitioning a backyard flock to organic feed is simpler than most people expect. The process is exactly the same as any other feed change — gradual, over 7–10 days — with one extra thing to know upfront: organic feed costs more per bag, but often produces noticeably better results in egg quality and flock health. Here's the practical guide.
What “Organic” Actually Means for Feed
USDA Certified Organic feed means:
- Grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides
- No GMO ingredients (organic must be Non-GMO by USDA rules)
- No synthetic fertilizers used on the land
- No animal byproducts or prohibited substances
- Third-party audited and certified — not self-certified
Organic is a higher bar than Non-GMO Project Verified alone. Non-GMO Verified focuses on GMO status; organic certification covers the full production chain including pesticide use, land management, and prohibited substances.
If you're selling eggs or poultry as “certified organic,” your feed must be USDA Certified Organic. If you just want the cleanest feed for your backyard flock without a certification requirement, Non-GMO Project Verified feed is a perfectly strong option at a lower price point.
What We Stock for Organic Flocks
We carry KOFFI (Kentucky Organic Farm & Feed Inc.) — a Guthrie, Kentucky Amish and Mennonite farmer cooperative that is 100% USDA Certified Organic. It's the closest certified organic feed mill to Middle Tennessee. Their feed comes in 50 lb bags (not 40 lb).
KOFFI options for poultry at BooneTop:
- Layer 16% — Standard organic layer formula
- Soy Free Layer 16% — Organic + soy-free
- Soy & Corn Free Layer 16% — Organic, soy-free, corn-free
- Soy Free Broiler — Organic soy-free for meat birds
- Turkey Starter 22% / Turkey Grower 22% — Organic for turkeys
- Duck Starter 22% / Duck Grower 22% — Organic for waterfowl
- Chicken Scratch — Organic scratch grains
- Organic Black Oil Sunflower Seeds — Organic supplement for feather quality
Text or call before you drive out to confirm current stock — 931-217-5556.
The 7–10 Day Transition: Step by Step
Chickens can be sensitive to feed changes. An abrupt switch can cause loose droppings, temporary feed refusal, and a dip in egg production. The blend-in method is the standard approach used by flock keepers and commercial operations alike.
- Days 1–3: 75% old feed / 25% KOFFI organic
Mix the two feeds together in the feeder. Most birds won't notice. The new feed introduces the gut to different ingredient proportions gradually. - Days 4–6: 50% old / 50% new
Equal blend. This is where you'll notice any resistance — most birds adapt fine, but watch for any birds going off feed or showing loose droppings. - Days 7–9: 25% old / 75% new
Nearly complete. If you're using up a bag, this is where the old bag runs out for most flocks. - Day 10+: 100% organic feed
Full transition complete. Most flocks are fully adapted by day 10.
What to Expect After the Switch
Here's what flock keepers commonly report — not guaranteed outcomes, but patterns we hear regularly:
- Yolk color: Many keepers report richer, deeper yolk color within 3–6 weeks on soy-free organic feed. This varies significantly by diet and free-ranging — birds that forage heavily will have deeper yolks regardless of feed type.
- Production dip: A brief, temporary dip in egg production is common during any feed change. Expect it, don't be alarmed by it. Production typically returns to normal within 2–3 weeks.
- Feed consumption: Some keepers report their birds eat slightly less of the organic feed to maintain the same body weight — a possible sign of better feed utilization. Others see no change. Track body condition, not just feeder volume.
- Stool quality: Brief loose droppings are normal for the first few days. Should firm up within a week.
Oyster Shell and Water: Don't Skip These
No feed change will overcome poor calcium or hydration. Laying hens need 3.5–4.5% calcium for good shell quality — more than most complete feeds provide. Always offer oyster shell in a separate container so hens can self-regulate their calcium intake. And keep waterers clean and full — dehydration hits production before hunger does.
If You're Certifying Your Operation
To sell eggs or poultry as USDA Certified Organic, your birds must have been fed organic feed and have access to the outdoors. Feed documentation is required. KOFFI provides certification paperwork — ask us when you pick up and we'll get you what you need.
For more on organic vs. Non-GMO and how the brands compare, see our Brand Comparison page. For the full life-stage feeding guide for chickens, see the Chicken Feeding Guide.