Mash Feed Update

Updated 08.14.25:

At Mile Four, we’re always looking for ways to make good things even better. This time, we’ve given our Starter, Grower, and Layer Mash feed a little tune-up. These changes will go a long way toward keeping your flock happy & healthy.

Think of it like tweaking a favorite recipe: the same real, organic ingredients you know & trust, now in the best balance for each stage of your birds’ life. The goal? Healthy growth for chicks, smooth development for growing birds, & strong, reliable laying for your hens, all without you changing a thing in your routine.

What’s new

We fine-tuned the balance of wholesome grains, natural proteins, & key minerals across all three feeds so that each one: Starter, Grower & Layer, has the right mix to help your birds grow strong, stay healthy & thrive from their first peck to their first egg & beyond.

What you’ll notice

• Healthy growth at every stage: from tiny chicks to full egg production.
• Same clean standards: USA-grown, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, corn & soy free, fresh-milled by our family-owned team.
• Easy for you: no changes to how you feed.

What’s not changing

Your routine. Scoop & feed as usual. Same high standards. Same clean-label values. Same commitment to birds, families & farms.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email us milefour@milefour.com.

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FAQs

Do I need to change how I feed?
No. Just move from Starter to Grower to Layer as you always have.

Is it still organic and Non-GMO (and corn and soy free)?
Yes. Those standards are here to stay.

Why update the formulas?
Birds’ nutritional needs change as they grow. We regularly review our feeds & refine them when needed so each stage gives the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth, strong shells, & steady production.

Do I need a transition period between stages?
No special steps are needed. Finish your current bag & start the next stage.

What changed in Starter?
We adjusted the balance by replacing peas and increasing wheat, plus adding sunflower meal, alfalfa meal, and a premium yeast source. These changes improve protein quality, amino acid balance, and digestibility, helping support bone strength, early growth, and smooth digestion during the first weeks. You may notice the new Mash looks slightly darker than before, which is a natural result of the updated grain mix.

What changed in Grower?
We reduced peas and increased wheat, added sunflower meal & alfalfa meal, & included yeast for added nutrients and gut health support. This helps deliver steady energy, balanced protein, & consistent development without unnecessary bulk. You may notice the new Mash looks slightly darker than before, which is a natural result of the updated grain mix.

What changed in Layer?
We lowered peas and increased wheat, added sunflower meal & alfalfa meal, and refined calcium sources for better shell quality. Yeast is included for added nutrition. The result is strong, consistent shells & steady laying performance. You may notice the new Mash looks slightly darker than before, which is a natural result of the updated grain mix.

Why has the color changed?
With the new ratios, the natural grains and seeds show through a bit differently. The quality, nutrition, and Certified Organic, non-GMO standards remain the same, it’s just a change in appearance.

Why has the smell changed?
Some grains and seeds naturally carry stronger aromas, so with the updated balance you may notice a new scent. The nutrition, quality, and Certified Organic, non-GMO standards remain the same.

Will my chickens notice the difference?
Most flocks adjust easily to the updated formula. While you may notice small changes in color, smell, or texture, the quality and nutrition remain the same, so your chickens should continue eating it as usual.

What about calcium and phosphorus?
We have balanced them so younger birds develop sturdy bones & layers produce strong-shelled eggs. No extras are required, though oyster shell on the side is still a good idea for layers.

Why does the ingredient list on my feed bag look different from last time?
Ingredient proportions may occasionally vary due to seasonal and supply availability. When this happens, we keep the nutrition profile consistent so your birds get the same quality feed. For the most accurate details, check the lot-specific label on your feed bag.

Were any ingredients removed or replaced?
We haven’t introduced any new or unusual ingredients — just rebalanced amounts of what we already use and added a few proven, natural inclusions like sunflower meal, alfalfa meal & yeast to boost nutrition and digestibility.

Can I ferment this feed?
Yes & we recommend it. Fermenting our feed can stretch your feed budget by making nutrients more bioavailable, which means birds can get the same nutrition from less feed. It also supports healthy gut bacteria, improves digestion, & can boost overall flock health. With the new formulation, you may notice fermentation moves a bit quicker because the finer wheat particles soften faster, while sunflower & alfalfa meals help hold moisture. For best results, keep the mix at a scoop-able consistency, stir daily & feed once it has a pleasant, slightly sour smell.

What if my chicks seem to be having trouble with digestion on the new Mash?

It’s common for chicks to need time to adjust when moving to a new feed, whether from another brand or from our older formulation. Their digestive systems are sensitive, and a sudden switch can sometimes cause feed refusal or uneven digestion.

To help with a smoother transition, we recommend introducing the new Mash gradually over 8 days. We’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to show you exactly how:

This approach gives chicks time to adjust while making sure they get balanced nutrition.

Will my eggs taste different?
Not at all. You will still get the same fresh, clean taste you expect.

How should I store it?
Keep bags sealed in a cool, dry place. Use within a reasonable time & rotate your stock.

 

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Disclaimer: This update is based on our ongoing review of nutrition, ingredient quality, and flock performance. While we share what has worked best in our testing and customer feedback, every flock is unique and individual results may vary. Always follow our feeding guidelines, store feed properly, and monitor your birds’ health. Mile Four is not responsible for outcomes resulting from factors outside our control, such as handling, storage, or environmental conditions.