Who Makes Country Companion Chicken Feed? The Complete Brand Story

Have you ever stood in the feed store staring at all those colorful bags of chicken feed and wondered “who actually makes this stuff?” Well, I certainly have, especially when it comes to Country Companion chicken feed. As a backyard chicken keeper for over 7 years, I’ve tried numerous feed brands, and Country Companion has frequently appeared on store shelves, particularly at Murdoch’s stores across the western United States.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about who makes Country Companion chicken feed, what sets it apart, and why it might (or might not) be the right choice for your feathered friends.

The Company Behind Country Companion Chicken Feed

Country Companion poultry feed is manufactured by Ranch & Home Supply LLC which is the parent company of Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply stores. This is a private label brand exclusively sold at Murdoch’s stores throughout Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and Idaho.

Unlike nationally recognized brands like Purina or Nutrena that you’ll find almost everywhere, Country Companion is what we call a “house brand” or “store brand” – created specifically for Murdoch’s retail operations.

The actual production of the feed is likely contracted to a regional feed mill that produces the feed according to Murdoch’s specifications, which is a common practice in the feed industry. Many retailers contract with mills to create their own branded products rather than building and operating their own manufacturing facilities.

Country Companion Feed Varieties

Country Companion offers several poultry feed formulations:

• Layer Pellets (16% protein) – Their most popular product for egg-laying hens
• Layer Crumbles – Same nutritional profile as the pellets but in crumble form
• Starter/Grower Feed – Higher protein formulation for chicks and growing birds
• Scratch Grains – A mixture of whole grains as a treat supplement

Their layer feed is specifically designed for chickens 16 weeks and older, containing the necessary nutrients for healthy egg production.

What Makes Country Companion Different?

From my own experience and research into the feed, here are some key characteristics of Country Companion chicken feed:

1. Regional Availability

The most obvious difference is that Country Companion is only available at Murdoch’s stores in the western United States You won’t find it at national chains like Tractor Supply or local feed stores not affiliated with Murdoch’s

2. Price Point

Country Companion is typically positioned as a more affordable alternative to premium national brands. In my experience, it’s usually priced 10-15% lower than comparable Purina or Nutrena products.

3. Formulation Focus

The feed is formulated with a focus on practical nutrition rather than specialty attributes. Unlike some brands that highlight organic, non-GMO, or other specialty claims, Country Companion focuses on delivering standard nutritional requirements at a reasonable price point.

How Does Country Companion Compare to Other Brands?

When comparing Country Companion to other popular chicken feed brands, there are several factors to consider:

What Chicken Owners Say About Country Companion

I’ve talked with several fellow chicken keepers who use Country Companion, and the feedback is generally positive but mixed:

Positive Comments:

• “My chickens seem to really like it and waste less than with crumbles.”
• “It’s a good value for the money compared to name brands.”
• “Egg production has been consistent since switching to it.”

Concerns:

• “I wish they’d list more specific ingredients on the packaging.”
• “Sometimes it’s hard to find in stock at my local Murdoch’s.”
• “My chickens seem to prefer the national brands, but this is more affordable.”

Ingredients and Nutrition

Country Companion Layer Pellets contain:

• 16% protein
• Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
• Formulated specifically for egg production
• Available in pellet form to reduce waste

The feed is designed to be the sole ration for laying hens from 16 weeks of age throughout their productive life.

My Personal Experience with Country Companion

I’ve used Country Companion Layer Pellets for about 8 months when I lived near a Murdoch’s store in Montana. Here’s what I noticed:

• My flock of 12 Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons had good egg production (about 8-10 eggs daily)
• The shells were consistently strong
• The pellet form resulted in less waste in the coop compared to crumbles
• The price was definitely better than what I was paying for Purina

However, I did notice that when I switched back to Nutrena, my hens’ yolks seemed a bit more vibrant in color. This could be due to different levels of natural pigments in the feed formulations.

Why Choose Country Companion?

You might want to consider Country Companion if:

• Budget is a priority: It’s typically less expensive than national brands
• You live near a Murdoch’s store: Convenient access to the product
• Your chickens aren’t picky eaters: Some flocks transition to it easily
• You prefer pellets: Their pellet formulation is well-regarded for reduced waste

When You Might Want to Choose Another Brand

Country Companion might not be the best choice if:

• You don’t live near a Murdoch’s: Obviously, availability is limited
• You prefer organic or non-GMO: Country Companion doesn’t make these claims
• You have specialty breeds with specific nutritional needs: Some exotic breeds might benefit from specialty formulations
• Your chickens are particularly picky: Some flocks show preference for other brands

How to Get the Most from Country Companion Feed

If you’re using or considering Country Companion feed, here are some tips:

1. Supplement with oyster shell – While the feed contains calcium, free-choice oyster shell can help ensure strong eggshells
2. Add fresh vegetables and treats – Supplement with kitchen scraps, greens, and occasional treats
3. Store properly – Keep feed in a cool, dry location in airtight containers to preserve freshness
4. Consider feed transition time – When switching to any new feed, mix with previous feed for 7-10 days to help chickens adjust

Is Country Companion Right for Your Flock?

The “best” chicken feed really depends on your specific situation, budget, and your chickens’ preferences. Country Companion represents a solid middle-ground option that balances cost with nutrition.

For beginning chicken keepers who live near a Murdoch’s store, Country Companion provides a straightforward, affordable option without the premium price of specialty feeds. For experienced keepers with specific goals (like certified organic eggs), you might want to explore other options.

Where to Buy Country Companion Chicken Feed

Country Companion feed is exclusively available at Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply stores located throughout:

• Montana
• Wyoming
• Colorado
• Nebraska
• Idaho

You can also check availability and sometimes order online through the Murdoch’s website, though shipping large bags of feed can be costly.

Country Companion chicken feed, produced for Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply stores, represents a solid regional option for backyard chicken keepers in the western United States. While it doesn’t have the nationwide recognition of brands like Purina or Nutrena, it offers reasonable quality at a competitive price point.

As with any chicken feed, what works best often comes down to your specific flock, your budget, and your feeding philosophy. Many chicken keepers I know use a combination of commercial feeds, treats, and foraged foods to keep their flocks healthy and happy.

Have you tried Country Companion feed? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re just starting with chickens, don’t stress too much about feed choices – chickens are remarkably adaptable, and most quality commercial feeds will meet their basic nutritional needs.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience, research, and conversations with other chicken keepers. Feed formulations may change over time, and individual flock results may vary. Always introduce new feeds gradually and monitor your flock’s health and production when making changes to their diet.