If you are weighing Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles against New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer, you are really asking Organic Vs Conventional Chicken Feed: Is It Worth the Price for your backyard flock. You want healthier hens and richer eggs without overspending, and you want to know if paying the organic premium actually changes what lands in your egg basket.
Before buying, check your local ordinance or zoning rules for keeping backyard chickens, and choose a coop sized to predator-proof your flock.
In this 2026 comparison, you will see how these two certified organic options differ on protein, feed form, sourcing and value logic so you can decide with confidence. If your coop setup still needs work, pair this feed decision with dry, low dust bedding like in best coop bedding pellet for small flocks to keep your layers comfortable and laying steadily.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Chicken Feed
Prime Scratch and Peck Feeds Organic Layer Crumbles
Prime New Country Organics Corn-Free Classic Layer Feed
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Pros
- Realistic, no fluff approach focused on partial feed replacement that actually works
- Covers both stationary and mobile coops for backyard and small flocks
- Includes climate specific guidance for a wide range of U.S. growing zones
- Combines garden crops with high protein systems for balanced nutrition
- Designed for beginners with limited space, time or energy
Cons
- Does not cover full 100 percent feed self sufficiency, only partial replacement
- Needs at least 1/4 acre of growing space, not ideal for tiny urban lots
- Success depends on climate and consistent effort with seasonal planting
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Chicken Feed by Lauren Lovejoy is a practical manual for backyard chicken keepers who want to lower feed bills without going fully off grid. It is built for small flocks on 1/4 to 1 acre across U.S. Zones 3 to 11, including owners with limited time and energy.
The standout focus is realistic replacement of 25 to 75 percent of commercial feed using only crops that actually work. It pairs garden staples with simple protein systems like BSFL, duckweed, worms and peas, plus zone specific plans and one page layouts for fast implementation.
The structure is clean and action oriented, with a 2 weekend setup plan and clear guidance on what to grow and what to skip. Winter storage is covered without requiring barns or expensive equipment, which makes the system accessible for stationary and mobile coop setups.
The guide does not promise complete feed independence, which may disappoint readers seeking full self sufficiency. Those with no growing space or in very dense urban settings will also find the 1/4 acre baseline challenging to apply.
For backyard flock owners who want healthier birds, better eggs and a practical path to feed savings, this guide delivers clear value. It is a smart pick if you want a climate aware system you can start quickly and maintain with minimal effort.
Choose this guide if you keep backyard chickens and want to cut feed costs with homegrown crops and protein. It fits stationary or mobile coops and is ideal for 1/4 to 1 acre properties in Zones 3 to 11.
Look for the zone specific plans, one page layouts and protein chapters to match your climate and space. Start with the 2 weekend plan, then add winter storage and succession planting as your flock needs grow.
Pros
- Certified organic and Non-GMO formula for clean daily layer nutrition
- Complete 16% protein nutrition formulated for both chickens and ducks
- Crumble form is easy to eat for bantams and large breeds alike
- Eco friendly compostable bag and North American sourcing
Cons
- 25 pound bag is bulky and needs dry, airtight storage to stay fresh
- Crumbles can create more fines and dust than pellets, especially at the bottom of the bag
- Formulated only for adult layers, so chicks, growers and non laying birds need a different feed
Scratch and Peck Feeds Layer Crumbles is a complete organic feed made for adult laying chickens and ducks. It is designed for backyard and small farm flocks that want simple daily nutrition to support laying and general health.
The 16 percent protein recipe uses organic grains plus black soldier fly larvae meal to help support consistent egg production. The crumble form is easy for different beak sizes to pick up, which helps mixed flocks eat more evenly with less sorting.
As an organic crumble, it has a natural texture and wholesome ingredient focus with Non-GMO and eco friendly claims. The 25 lb bag is practical for regular feeding, and the recyclable and compostable packaging adds appeal for sustainability minded owners.
Crumbles naturally break down during shipping and handling, so expect some fines in the bag. The large bag also needs a cool, dry bin for storage, and it is not intended for chicks or birds that are not laying.
For owners of laying hens and ducks, this is a clean, convenient USA and Canada milled option for everyday feeding. If you want organic, Non-GMO layer nutrition in an easy to eat crumble, it is a strong choice for a thriving adult flock.
Brand: Scratch and Peck Feeds, Form: Organic Crumble for adult layers, Flavor: All Natural.
Target Species: Laying chickens and ducks, Protein: 16 percent, Special Ingredient: Black soldier fly larvae meal.
Size: 25 lb bag, 400 ounce count, Dimensions: 25.5 x 13 x 4 inches, Part Number: 2034-25.
Pros
- Certified organic and non-GMO with no corn or soy
- 17% minimum protein supports consistent laying performance
- Added probiotics and kelp for shell strength and gut health
- Low-starch formula suited for heat stressed flocks
Cons
- Milled on shared equipment, so not guaranteed 100% corn-free for severe allergies
- Flake form may allow picky hens to sort feed and create waste
- 25-pound bag requires dry, airtight storage to stay fresh
New Country Organics Classic Layer Feed is a complete adult diet formulated for laying hens of all breed sizes. It is built for backyard keepers and small farms that want certified organic, corn-free and soy-free nutrition.
With a guaranteed 17% protein and low-starch formula, it supports steady egg production while helping hens stay comfortable in heat. Added probiotics and kelp promote stronger shells, better digestion and more nutrient dense eggs in daily feeding.
The feed uses North American certified organic, non-GMO grains in a flake form that hens readily accept. The 25-pound bag packaging is sturdy for storage and suits small to mid size flocks with regular laying cycles.
It is not ideal if you need a guaranteed zero corn diet, as it is milled on shared equipment. Some picky hens may sort flakes, so good feeders and dry, airtight storage help reduce waste.
For owners seeking premium organic layer nutrition without corn or soy, this is a strong choice. It delivers balanced protein, digestive support and heat friendly performance for healthy, productive hens.
Format: Flake layer feed in 25-pound bag for adult laying hens, all breed sizes
Nutrition: Minimum 17% protein, corn-free, soy-free, certified organic and non-GMO
Enrichment: Probiotics and kelp to support digestion and eggshell strength
Use: Complete daily diet for egg production and overall hen health
Feed free choice daily to adult laying hens as their primary complete diet, with fresh water always available.
Supplement with oyster shell for extra calcium and grit for digestion, especially for free range flocks.
Store in a cool, dry, airtight container off the ground to preserve freshness and prevent pests.
Head-to-Head Comparison for 2026
Protein Content and Nutritional Design
Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles is built around 16% protein from organic grains to support steady egg production and overall hen health, while New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer pushes to a guaranteed minimum of 17% protein with a corn free and soy free recipe. For you, that one point difference matters if your hens are high output layers, molting, or foraging less in winter, because the slightly denser formula gives you more nutritional headroom.
New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer also adds probiotics and kelp to support strong shells and healthy digestion plus a high protein low starch approach designed to keep birds cooler in heat, whereas Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles focuses on clean nutrition with no unnecessary additives for wholesome daily feeding. If your priority is shell strength and summer resilience, the first formula speaks to you, while if you prefer simple, clean organic nutrition for consistent laying, the second approach fits your style.
Feed Form, Palatability and Bird Compatibility
Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles uses a crumble texture made to be easy to peck for both small and large beaks, which can mean less sorting and less waste for you when you keep bantams alongside standard breeds. New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer is positioned as a complete diet for laying hens with a classic layer grind that suits dedicated laying flocks that eat a uniform ration every day.
Versatility is another split, since Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles is explicitly formulated for chickens and ducks, while New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer is tailored specifically for laying hens focused on robust, nutrient packed eggs. If you run a mixed backyard flock, the broader fit saves you buying separate bags, and you can learn more about housing mixed ages comfortably in how to insulate chicken coop for 6 chickens.
Sourcing, Certification and Sustainability Values
Both options give you certified organic, non-GMO peace of mind, but they tell the story differently. Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles is grown and milled in North America across the USA and Canada to support local businesses and sustainable agriculture, while New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer emphasizes North American certified organic grains with no genetically modified organisms and a corn free, soy free identity. For you, either choice moves you away from conventional grain systems toward verified sourcing.
On sustainability beyond the bag, Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles stands out with recyclable and compostable packaging that helps you reduce waste, whereas New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer leans into comprehensive diet solutions with matching grit, grubs and oyster shell options from the same brand family. If low waste packaging drives your purchase, you will lean one way, while if you want a one brand system for supplements and feed, you will lean the other.
Value Logic: When Organic Earns Its Keep
Conventional feed usually wins on upfront bag cost alone, so organic has to earn its keep through egg quality, hen vitality and your personal standards. In this pairing, Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles is the more budget conscious organic entry for everyday layers, while New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer is the higher end pick for owners who specifically want corn free, soy free plus probiotics and kelp. Both come in a 25 lb bag size that suits small backyard flocks, so your choice comes down to which premium features you will actually use.
You can stretch either bag further by pairing measured rations with free ranging, garden surplus and proper calcium support, especially as laying naturally shifts in October with light and heat. Owners commonly report steadier shells and calmer digestion when calcium is offered free choice, so explore chicken oyster shell feeder and grit feeder combo vs CluckRoots chicken grit and oyster shell feeder to complete your feeding station and get full value from every scoop.
Which One Should You Get
Choose Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles if you keep chickens and ducks together, have mixed beak sizes, or want simple organic nutrition with eco friendly packaging. You get 16% protein support for laying ladies, easy to peck crumbles, and North American milling that aligns with sustainable, small flock values.
Choose New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer if your hens need corn free and soy free nutrition, you want 17% protein for strong production, or you deal with hot summers and want low starch plus probiotics and kelp for shells and digestion. You get a complete layer diet built for dedicated laying hens where premium nutrition is the whole point.
Who Should Skip Both
These layer formulas are not ideal for chicks needing starter, meat birds needing finisher rations, or very large flocks where conventional bulk is the only workable budget, and another option worth a look for cutting costs is The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Chicken if you want to supplement with homegrown forage. For broader homestead housing ideas beyond the coop, browse how to choose a rabbit hutch for outdoors to plan your yard wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is organic chicken feed really better than conventional for egg quality?
Organic does not automatically guarantee more eggs, but many owners prefer it for cleaner ingredient lists and verified sourcing. Both Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles and New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer provide complete organic nutrition for layers, with the second adding kelp and probiotics aimed at shell strength.
Which is better for sensitive hens, Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles or New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer?
If corn or soy sensitivity is your concern, the corn free and soy free design of New Country Organics | Corn-Free Classic Layer is the clearer fit. If your flock does fine on varied grains but needs an easy crumble for small beaks, Scratch and Peck Feeds | Layer Crumbles is often the smoother daily choice.
Can I mix organic layer feed with free ranging and scraps and still get good laying rates?
Yes, you can offer measured organic feed as the nutritional base and let foraging be the bonus, not the replacement. Keep layer rations available daily, offer oyster shell free choice, and monitor shell quality and laying consistency through seasonal changes.
Browse more picks in our Chicken & Shed category, or see our related guide on Automatic Chicken Feeders for 6 Hens in 2026.
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