Frequently Asked Questions

From hatching to 18 weeks old, feed your chickens a high-protein chick starter to support healthy growth of bones, muscles, and feathers. At 18 weeks of age, transition them to a premium Layer Feed like Cascade Layer Pellets. This feed is specially formulated with the perfect balance of nutrients for egg production, ensuring strong, healthy hens and high-quality eggs.

Chick Starter is a high-protein feed designed for rapid growth, supporting the development of strong bones, feathers, and muscle in chicks. Layer Feed, like Cascade Layer Pellets, contains slightly less protein but is enriched with calcium to promote strong eggshells and consistent egg production. Transitioning to Layer Feed at 18 weeks ensures your hens have the nutrients they need when they begin laying.

A high-quality Layer Feed such as Cascade Layer Pellets provides most of the essential nutrients your hens need. However, for optimal health and egg production, consider offering oyster shell as a free-choice calcium supplement to ensure strong eggshells. Adding a treat like Cascade 2-Grain Scratch is also a great way to keep your hens active and encourage natural foraging behaviors. Scatter scratch on the ground to promote pecking and scratching, which keeps your flock entertained and engaged.

Both Layer Pellets and Layer Crumbles are nutritionally identical and suitable for laying hens. Cascade Layer Pellets are a popular choice because they create less waste, produce less dust, and are easy to manage. Crumbles, on the other hand, may be preferred for smaller breeds or younger hens. Either option works well to keep your flock healthy and productive.

Begin feeding Layer Feed, such as Cascade Layer Pellets, at 18 weeks of age. This ensures your hens receive the calcium and nutrients they need as they approach maturity. Most hens begin laying eggs between 20-24 weeks, and starting Layer Feed at the right time prepares them for healthy and consistent egg production.

Yes! While Cascade Layer Pellets should make up the majority of your flock's diet, occasional treats like Cascade 2-Grain Scratch, vegetable scraps, or mealworms can be offered in moderation. Scratch feed not only provides variety but also encourages natural behaviors like pecking and scratching. Be cautious not to exceed 10% of their overall diet with treats and avoid harmful foods such as avocado pits, chocolate, or raw potatoes.

Start with clean, fresh water daily and feed a balanced diet with Cascade Layer Pellets as the foundation. Provide oyster shell for supplemental calcium and offer Cascade 2-Grain Scratch as an occasional treat to keep your flock active and happy. Ensure their coop is clean, well-ventilated, and predator-proof. If possible, allow your chickens to free-range, which promotes natural foraging behaviors and overall well-being.

Layer Feed is designed to be fed free-choice, meaning you should always have feed available for your laying hens. Chickens will eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full, ensuring they get the nutrition they need without overfeeding.

Store your chicken feed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and potential rodent access. A Rubbermaid tub with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for keeping feed fresh and safe. Proper storage ensures your hens receive high-quality feed every time.

You can purchase Cascade Layer Pellets at any Coastal Farm & Ranch or Wilco Farm Stores. Check with your nearest location to ensure availability.

The key nutritional levels to look for in a Layer Feed include: Protein: 16% to support egg production and overall health. Fat: 4% for energy. Lysine: 0.7% to aid in muscle development and feather quality. Calcium: 3.5%–4% for strong eggshells. While there are additional vitamins and minerals in some Layer Feeds, these are the essential levels to keep your hens happy, healthy, and laying plenty of eggs. Cascade Layer Pellets meet these nutritional requirements, making them an excellent choice for your flock.

To ensure optimal growth and meat quality in hogs raised for meat production, follow this feeding schedule: Birth to 8 weeks: Provide a high-protein starter feed containing approximately 18% protein to support rapid growth and development. 8 weeks to market weight: Transition to a grower feed with 16% protein, such as Cascade 16% Hog Grower, to sustain steady growth and muscle development. Finishing phase (final weeks before slaughter): Introduce a finisher feed with higher energy and slightly lower protein content (around 14%) to promote marbling and enhance meat quality. Adhering to this feeding program ensures that hogs receive the necessary nutrients at each growth stage, leading to healthy animals and high-quality pork products.

While supplementing hog feed with table scraps is a common practice, it's essential to exercise caution: Nutritional Balance: Ensure that the primary source of nutrition is a complete hog feed, such as Cascade 16% Hog Grower, to meet all dietary requirements. Health Considerations: Avoid feeding hogs spoiled or moldy food, and be aware of legal restrictions regarding feeding certain types of waste to swine, as regulations vary by region. By maintaining a balanced diet and adhering to local guidelines, you can safely incorporate table scraps into your hogs' feeding regimen.

Yes, implementing free-choice feeding for hogs can be effective for achieving maximum weight gain. However, it's crucial to monitor the animals' weight and body condition: Weight Management: If hogs begin to gain excessive weight relative to their frame size, consider transitioning to a measured feeding system to prevent obesity and related health issues. Feed Quality: Ensure that the feed provided is of high quality and nutritionally balanced, such as Cascade 16% Hog Grower, to support healthy growth. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the feeding strategy will help maintain optimal health and productivity in your hogs.

'Free-choice feeding' refers to a feeding strategy where animals have continuous access to feed, allowing them to eat at their discretion. This method ensures that hogs can consume food whenever they are hungry, promoting natural feeding behaviors and potentially enhancing growth rates.

Cascade Cattle & Sheep Feed is formulated to be fed alongside hay and/or pasture. This combination ensures a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients for optimal health and growth. Always ensure that fresh, clean water is available to your livestock at all times to support digestion and overall well-being.

Yes, Cascade Cattle & Sheep Feed contains endophytes; however, the levels present are not harmful to cattle at any stage when the feed is provided in conjunction with hay. Endophytes are naturally occurring fungi found in certain grasses, and when managed properly, they do not pose a risk to livestock health.

Cascade Cattle & Sheep Feed is specifically formulated for cattle and sheep and is not designed for equine nutrition. Feeding it to horses is not recommended. For appropriate dietary guidance, consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to select feeds tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of horses.

Cascade Fortified 12% is a multi-species feed designed to provide balanced nutrition for various livestock, including cattle. With a protein content of 12%, it serves as an excellent supplement to forage-based diets, supporting growth and maintenance. This feed is particularly beneficial during the finishing phase of cattle, as it helps promote weight gain and muscle development. Always provide fresh water and monitor the overall diet to ensure optimal health.

Beef cattle have varying nutritional needs throughout their life stages: Calves: Require high protein and energy for rapid growth. A diet combining quality forage with a suitable starter feed is essential. Growing Cattle: Need a balanced intake of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals to support continued growth. Feeds like Cascade Cattle & Sheep Feed can be integrated with forage to meet these requirements. Finishing Cattle: Benefit from higher energy diets to achieve desired weight and marbling. Incorporating Cascade Fortified 12% during this phase can enhance weight gain and meat quality. Consulting with a livestock nutritionist can help tailor feeding programs to meet specific growth targets and health goals.

Providing a comprehensive mineral and vitamin supplement is crucial for cattle health. This can be achieved through: Mineral Blocks or Tubs: Offer free-choice access to mineral blocks or tubs specifically formulated for cattle. Fortified Feeds: Utilize feeds like Cascade Fortified 12, which are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. Regular Monitoring: Assess cattle health and consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to adjust supplementation as needed. Ensuring a balanced intake of minerals and vitamins supports immune function, reproduction, and overall productivity.

Gradual transition is key to preventing digestive disturbances when introducing new feed: Start Slow: Begin by mixing a small amount of the new feed with the current ration. Increase Gradually: Over 7-10 days, slowly increase the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed. Monitor Health: Observe cattle for any signs of digestive upset or changes in behavior, and adjust the transition pace accordingly. This method allows the rumen microflora to adapt to the new feed, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Adequate nutrition is vital for optimal reproductive performance in beef cattle: Body Condition: Maintaining an appropriate body condition score ensures cows have sufficient energy reserves for conception, gestation, and lactation. Mineral Balance: Essential minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and zinc play critical roles in reproductive health. Protein and Energy: Balanced protein and energy levels support hormonal functions and embryo development. Implementing a well-planned feeding program that meets these nutritional needs can lead to improved fertility rates and healthier calves.