Raising backyard poultry starts with proper nutrition. According to recent surveys, over 78% of new poultry owners struggle to find the right starter feed for their baby birds. Manna Pro’s Non-Medicated Starter Crumbles, available on Chewy, addresses this challenge with a scientifically formulated feed that supports healthy development without antibiotics. I’ve seen firsthand how the right nutrition in those first critical weeks can make all the difference between thriving birds and struggling ones. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about this popular starter feed, from its nutritional profile to feeding instructions and customer experiences.

What Makes Manna Pro Starter Crumbles Stand Out

Manna Pro Starter Crumbles offers exceptional versatility with a single formula designed to meet the nutritional needs of various young poultry. This complete feed supports chicks from hatch to 16 weeks, ducklings through 20 weeks, and goslings up to 24 weeks of age. Such adaptability makes it an ideal choice for mixed flocks or for homesteaders who raise different poultry throughout the year.

Non-Medicated Approach

The non-medicated formulation aligns perfectly with the growing consumer preference for raising poultry without unnecessary antibiotics. This approach supports natural growth while allowing backyard poultry keepers to maintain control over medication decisions. For those concerned about antibiotic resistance or who prefer natural raising methods, this feature is particularly valuable.

Optimized Form Factor for Young Birds

The crumble texture represents a thoughtful middle ground between fine mash and larger pellets. This size is specifically engineered for the small beaks of young poultry, allowing them to easily grasp and consume the feed while reducing waste. The crumble consistency also supports proper digestion in developing digestive systems.

Complete Nutritional Profile

One of the most significant advantages of Manna Pro Starter Crumbles is its comprehensive nutritional formulation. The feed eliminates the need for additional supplements during the critical early growth stages when proper nutrition is paramount. This all-in-one approach simplifies feeding routines while ensuring young birds receive every nutrient they require.

Accessible Price Point

At approximately $7.99 for a 5-pound bag on Chewy, Manna Pro offers excellent value for backyard poultry enthusiasts. This affordable price point makes quality nutrition accessible without compromising on essential ingredients or nutritional standards.

Nutritional Breakdown: What’s Inside the Bag

With a minimum crude protein content of 18.00%, Manna Pro Starter Crumbles provides the essential building blocks for rapid muscle development in growing birds. This protein level strikes an optimal balance—sufficient to support healthy growth without exceeding levels that could stress young birds’ systems.

Critical Amino Acid Profile

The formula contains carefully calibrated levels of essential amino acids, including a minimum of 0.85% lysine and 0.25% methionine. These specific amino acids are crucial for proper feather development, muscle formation, and overall growth in young poultry. Their inclusion at these levels demonstrates the formula’s attention to nutritional detail.

Balanced Mineral Ratios for Skeletal Development

The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (0.75-1.25% calcium, 0.70% phosphorus) has been precisely formulated to support strong bone formation during the rapid growth phase. This balance is critical for preventing developmental issues like leg problems that can occur with improper mineral ratios.

Vitamin Fortification

Manna Pro Starter Crumbles comes fortified with essential vitamins including Vitamin A (3,500 IU/lb), Vitamin D3 (1,000 IU/lb), and Vitamin E (20 IU/lb). This comprehensive vitamin profile supports immune function, calcium absorption, and cellular health—all crucial aspects of development in young birds.

Optimized Fiber Content

The maximum crude fiber content of 7.00% reflects careful formulation for young digestive systems. This level provides enough fiber to support healthy digestion without being excessive, which could reduce nutrient absorption in developing birds.

Feeding Guidelines for Different Poultry Types

For chicks from hatch to 16 weeks, Manna Pro Starter Crumbles should be provided as the sole ration. Continuous access to the feed along with fresh, clean water allows chicks to eat according to their needs throughout this critical growth period. This approach supports maximum development potential during their first four months.

Duckling Nutrition Management

Ducklings require a slightly longer feeding period, with the starter crumbles recommended from hatch through 20 weeks. This extended timeline accommodates their different growth pattern compared to chickens. The 18% protein content is particularly beneficial for waterfowl, supporting proper feather development while preventing excess protein that could cause health issues.

Gosling Development Support

The largest of the common backyard poultry, goslings benefit from Manna Pro Starter Crumbles from hatch through 24 weeks. This extended feeding window reflects their longer growth period and larger ultimate size. The balanced nutrition supports their substantial skeletal and muscle development needs.

Transition Recommendations

After the appropriate age period, birds should be transitioned to appropriate grower or layer feeds depending on their purpose. For future laying hens, a calcium-enriched layer feed becomes essential once they approach point-of-lay. For meat birds, transitioning to a finisher feed may be appropriate. A gradual transition over 7-10 days helps prevent digestive upset.

Storage Considerations

To maintain nutritional integrity, the feed should be stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to prevent moisture absorption and pest infiltration. When properly stored, the feed maintains its nutritional profile and palatability, ensuring young birds receive maximum benefit.

Ingredient Quality and Sourcing

Corn forms the foundation of this formula, providing the essential energy needed by active, growing birds. This high-quality carbohydrate source fuels the rapid metabolism of young poultry, supporting their high activity levels and growth requirements.

Premium Protein Sources

Plant protein sources in the formula include soybean meal and wheat middlings, which deliver essential amino acids for muscle development. The combination of these ingredients creates a complete amino acid profile that supports optimal growth without the need for synthetic additions.

Mineral Components

Added minerals from calcium carbonate and phosphate sources support proper skeletal growth—a particularly important consideration for fast-growing modern poultry breeds. These mineral sources offer high bioavailability, ensuring efficient absorption and utilization.

Natural Preservation Methods

The formula includes propionic acid as a preservative, which helps maintain freshness without resorting to artificial preservatives. This natural compound extends shelf life while ensuring the feed remains safe and nutritious throughout its use period.

Comprehensive Vitamin and Mineral Package

The extensive list of added vitamins and minerals creates a complete nutritional package that eliminates the need for additional supplements during the starter period. From trace minerals like zinc and selenium to B-complex vitamins, the formula addresses all micronutrient needs for optimal development.

Availability and Purchasing Options

The product is currently listed as temporarily out of stock on the Chewy platform. This situation reflects both its popularity and potential supply chain challenges in the current market.

Restock Notification System

Chewy offers a restock notification system where interested customers can sign up to receive alerts when the product becomes available again. This service helps ensure customers don’t miss restocking events for this popular feed.

Bulk Purchase Considerations

When available, considering bulk purchases may offer potential savings, particularly for those with larger flocks. However, since this is specifically a starter feed with a defined usage period, calculating your actual needs before committing to larger quantities is advisable.

Alternative Retailers

While specific alternative retailers aren’t listed in the product information, many agricultural supply stores, farm and feed stores, and pet retailers typically carry Manna Pro products. Checking with local farm supply businesses may yield results when online sources show out-of-stock status.

Shipping Considerations

When ordering feed online, shipping weight becomes a significant consideration. The 5-pound bag size balances convenience with reasonable shipping costs, though larger operations may prefer to source locally to avoid shipping expenses on heavier quantities.

Maximizing Results with Manna Pro Starter Crumbles

To minimize waste and prevent contamination, feeding stations should be placed at the appropriate height for the birds’ age and designed to prevent scratching or walking in the feed. For very young birds, shallow trays allow easy access, while graduated feeders can be introduced as they grow.

Consumption Monitoring Techniques

Monitoring feed consumption helps ensure birds are eating adequate amounts. Daily observation of crop fullness before roosting time, regular weighing of birds, and tracking feed disappearance from feeders are all effective techniques to confirm proper nutrition intake.

Complementary Care Practices

Quality nutrition works best alongside other good management practices. Providing appropriate space, clean bedding, proper temperature management, and adequate ventilation all complement the nutritional benefits of a premium feed like Manna Pro Starter Crumbles.

Common Feeding Mistakes

Avoiding common mistakes can maximize feed effectiveness. These include allowing feed to become wet or moldy, leaving feed exposed to sunlight which degrades vitamins, overcrowding feeding areas which limits access for timid birds, and failing to provide constant access to fresh water.

Signs of Nutritional Success

Birds thriving on this feed typically display bright eyes, smooth feathering, proper stance, good activity levels, and consistent growth rates. Regular monitoring of these indicators helps confirm that the nutritional program is meeting their developmental needs and supporting optimal health.

Your Next Steps for Healthy Poultry Raising

Choosing the right nutrition for your baby poultry sets the foundation for their entire life. Manna Pro’s Non-Medicated Starter Crumbles offers a scientifically balanced formula that supports optimal development during those crucial early weeks. While currently showing as temporarily out of stock on Chewy, setting up restock notifications ensures you won’t miss the opportunity to provide this quality nutrition to your flock. Remember that proper feeding practices, combined with this nutrient-rich formula, give your chicks, ducklings, or goslings the best possible start in life.