Guide Poultry · Seasonal care
Backyard Flock Moulting Guide
Feeding and everyday care through feather loss, regrowth and the seasonal laying break.
Animal care & feeding library
Ask a question or browse by animal. Start with our own feeding guides, then explore practical reading from university Extension programs and Chicken Whisperer Magazine.
Tucker Milling guides
Practical feeding guidance from Tucker Milling, with sources linked for further reading.
Animal nutrition basics → All Tucker guides & toolsGuide Poultry · Feeding & nutrition
Niacin for Ducks & Geese
How Show Flock and NatureCrest complete feeds meet the niacin needs of ducks and geese.
Guide Poultry · Feeding & nutrition
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Learn about larvae nutrition, calcium balance and fitting treats into a complete feeding program.
Guide Horses · Feeding & nutrition
Choosing the Right Horse Feed
Start with forage, then match a feed to your horse’s stage, work, and body condition.
Guide Poultry · Feeding & nutrition
From Chicks to First Eggs
A practical path from growing chicks to laying hens, with feed-stage choices and calcium for mixed flocks.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Goats · Sheep · Rabbits · Pigs · Pond fish · Feeding & nutrition
How to Read Your Feed Tag
Read purpose, guarantees, units, and directions together using a shortened Tucker catalog example.
Guide Poultry · Getting started
Baby Chick Care & Nutrition
Brooder setup, complete chick feed, and a daily care routine.
Guide Poultry · Seasonal care
Poultry Care in Hot Weather
Shade, cool water, airflow, and feeding through hot, humid days.
Guide Poultry · Seasonal care
Poultry Care in Cold Weather
Dry housing, unfrozen water, complete feed, and care for vulnerable birds.
Guide Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Feeding Sheep & Goats
Forage, species-specific minerals, copper cautions, and separate feeding plans.
Guide Cattle · Feeding & nutrition
Feeding Cattle on Pasture
Test forage, match supplements to cattle needs, and plan for changing seasons.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Animal Nutrition Basics
Plain-language animal nutrition: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, energy, vitamins, minerals, digestibility, and bioavailability.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Water in Animal Nutrition
Water access, cleanliness, supply, and quality for poultry, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Protein & Amino Acids
Essential amino acids, limiting amino acids, crude protein, and ruminant protein, with an original wine-barrel illustration.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Fat in Animal Nutrition
Dietary fat, fatty acids, usable energy, freshness, and species differences in animal feeding.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Carbohydrates & Fiber
Sugar, starch, fiber, microbial fermentation, and the differences between crude fiber, NDF, and ADF.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Understanding Feed Energy
Gross, digestible, metabolizable, and net energy, plus species-specific DE, AMEn, TDN, and cattle net-energy systems.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Vitamins & Minerals
Fat- and water-soluble vitamins, major and trace minerals, availability, interactions, and species-specific cautions.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Feeding & nutrition
Beyond Guaranteed Analysis
Why proximate analysis and guaranteed protein, fat, and fiber values do not establish digestibility or bioavailability.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Pigs · Feeding & nutrition
What's Actually in Your Feed?
Why Tucker names feed ingredients and what collective terms leave out, including the historical fish meal and hydrolyzed leather example.
Guide Poultry · Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Pigs · Feeding & nutrition
Fresh Feed Shouldn't Require a Decoder
Read Julian feed date codes, understand Tucker’s plain bagging date and time, and ask better questions about feed freshness.
Guide Poultry · Cattle · Goats · Sheep · Feeding & nutrition
Love Show Flock 22? Start with Show Flock Starter.
Start with the right starter and follow Show Flock, Quail and Game Bird, Tucker Prime, goat and Pasture Pure families through appropriate life stages.
Outside reading
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Tool Tucker Milling
Find Your Formula: Horses
Match an Eqceed feed to your horse’s age, activity and needs.
Tool Tucker Milling
Find Your Formula: Poultry
Choose feed for your birds, purpose and current feeding stage.
Guide Tucker Milling
Backyard Flock Moulting Guide
Feeding and everyday care through feather loss, regrowth and the seasonal laying break.
Guide Tucker Milling
Niacin for Ducks & Geese
How Show Flock and NatureCrest complete feeds meet the niacin needs of ducks and geese.
Guide Tucker Milling
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Learn about larvae nutrition, calcium balance and fitting treats into a complete feeding program.
Guide Tucker Milling
Choosing the Right Horse Feed
Start with forage, then match a feed to your horse’s stage, work, and body condition.
Guide Tucker Milling
From Chicks to First Eggs
A practical path from growing chicks to laying hens, with feed-stage choices and calcium for mixed flocks.
Guide Tucker Milling
How to Read Your Feed Tag
Read purpose, guarantees, units, and directions together using a shortened Tucker catalog example.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Basic Poultry Nutrition
An introduction to the nutrients poultry need, including protein, energy, vitamins, minerals and water.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Water Requirements of Poultry
Factors affecting drinking water needs and keeping water available to your flock.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Feeding Chickens for Egg Production
Feeding layers, the role of calcium and how feed choices affect egg production.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Feeding Ducks for Egg Production
Nutrition and feeding considerations for laying ducks in small flocks.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Feeding Chickens for Meat Production
Feeding programs for chickens raised for meat, from starter through finishing.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Antinutritional Factors in Poultry Feed
Why some feed ingredients can interfere with nutrient use and require careful processing.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Feed Additives for Poultry
Background on additives used in poultry feeds and the purposes they serve.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Selecting Birds for a Small or Backyard Flock
Choose birds suited to your goals, available space and flock plans.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Obtaining Birds for Small and Backyard Flocks
Considerations when sourcing chicks and other birds for a new flock.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Keeping Poultry in Urban Areas
Practical considerations for keeping a flock where neighbors and local rules matter.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Using Lime in Poultry Houses
Understand the differences between lime products and their use around poultry housing.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Characteristics of Healthy Birds
What to observe when checking your flock’s normal appearance and behavior.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Salmonella and Backyard Chickens
Background on Salmonella and the importance of hygiene around backyard birds.
Mississippi State University Extension
Molting of Laying Hens
Identify molt and understand its relationship to feather replacement and laying.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Nutrition for the Backyard Flock
An overview of feed nutrients and choosing appropriate rations for backyard birds.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Management Guide for the Backyard Flock
A broad introduction to flock management, housing, feeding and health.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Mineral Requirements for Beef Cattle in Alabama
Understand the major and trace minerals needed in Alabama beef cattle diets.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Importance of Mineral Supplementation and Mineral Tags
Learn how mineral supplementation and feed-tag information fit a herd nutrition program.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Interpreting a Forage Analysis for Beef Cattle
Make sense of a forage test, including dry matter, energy, protein and fiber.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Alabama Beef Handbook
A broad reference for beef cattle nutrition, forage and herd management.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Byproduct Feeds for Alabama Beef Cattle Operations
Considerations for using byproduct ingredients in beef cattle feeding programs.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Stockpiling Bahiagrass to Reduce Fall Hay Feeding
Use stockpiled bahiagrass as part of a fall grazing and hay-feeding plan.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Temporary Electric Fencing Basics
A starting point for temporary electric fencing used in managed grazing.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Livestock Recovery After Severe Weather
Resources for livestock care and recovery after severe weather.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows
Evaluate fat reserves and use body condition scores when planning cow nutrition.
Mississippi State University Extension
Mississippi Beef Cattle Producer Pocket Guide
A practical reference for cattle management, nutrition, body condition and water needs.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Dairy Goat and Sheep Nutrition and Forages
Nutrition and forage considerations for dairy goats and sheep.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Parasite Control in Dairy Goats and Sheep
Background on internal and external parasites and management approaches.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Common Diseases of Dairy Goats and Sheep
An overview of common diseases affecting dairy small ruminants.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Biosecurity and Disease Prevention in Dairy Goats
Plan disease prevention around new arrivals, facilities and herd management.
Mississippi State University Extension
Feeding Fish in Farm Ponds
When supplemental feeding can help pond fish and how to approach it.
Mississippi State University Extension
Stocking Options for Ponds Smaller Than One Acre
Understand stocking choices and carrying-capacity limits in small ponds.
Mississippi State University Extension
Catfish Feeds and Feeding
A collection of Extension references on catfish feeds and feeding practices.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Creep Management of Beef Calves
Consider the nutritional and management roles of supplemental feed for nursing calves.
University of Kentucky · Poultry Extension
Raising Meat Turkeys in Small Flocks
An introduction to turkey production, including brooding, housing and feeding.
Alabama Cooperative Extension · Auburn & Alabama A&M
Brooding Tips for Backyard Poultry (PDF)
Prepare brooding conditions to help young birds get off to a good start.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Principles of Feeding a Healthy Horse
Build a forage-first feeding plan around body condition, workload and life stage.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Equine Pasture Management
Plan grazing, forage selection and pasture upkeep for horses in the Southeast.
University of Tennessee Extension
Feeding and Nutrition for the Senior Horse
Adjust feeding as older horses face dental wear, weight changes and reduced digestion.
University of Tennessee Extension
Cold Temperatures, Wind and Rain Increase Hay Intake for Horses
Understand how wet, windy winter weather changes a horse’s energy and forage needs.
University of Tennessee Extension
Selecting Hay for Horses
Evaluate hay quality, maturity and cleanliness before choosing forage for your horse.
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Nutrition of Meat Goats
Explore feeds and nutrition needs for growing kids, breeding does and bucks.
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Water for Beef Cattle
Assess cattle water demand and the effects of water supply and quality on intake.
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation of Beef Cows in Arkansas
Review how forage-based diets and mineral needs affect beef-cow supplementation.
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Test Hays for Nutrient Composition Before Feeding
Use a forage analysis to plan winter feeding around the nutrients actually present in hay.
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Winter Feeding of Sheep and Goats
Plan feeding for pregnant and lactating ewes and does using stage-specific nutrient needs.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Preventing Disease Through Poultry Husbandry
Review everyday flock management, including biosecurity, water, nutrition and housing.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Body Condition, Nutrition and Reproduction of Beef Cows
Use body condition scores to evaluate cow nutrition and plan supplementation around calving.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Forage Evaluation for Horses
Evaluate hay physically, collect a forage sample and understand the laboratory analysis.
West Virginia University Extension · Dr. Joe Moritz
Management of Backyard Laying Flock to Maintain Production, Health & Safety
Plan feeding, lighting, housing and biosecurity to support laying-hen production and flock health.
Cooperative Extension · Poultry
Poultry Feed Ingredients
A reference to common poultry feed ingredients and their nutritional roles.
Cooperative Extension · Poultry
Housing for Small and Backyard Poultry Flocks
Plan housing that meets flock needs for space, shelter and daily care.
Cooperative Extension · Poultry
Predator Management for Backyard Poultry
Recognize common predators and improve protection around the coop and run.
Cooperative Extension · Poultry
Common Signs of Illness in Poultry
Recognize changes in behavior and appearance that warrant closer attention.
Cooperative Extension · Poultry
Common Poultry Diseases
An overview of diseases that can affect small poultry flocks.
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Nine Common Reasons Your Hens Aren’t Laying
Explore possible reasons for fewer eggs, including molt, age, light and nutrition.
University of Minnesota Extension
Ten Things to Know About Feeding the Mature Horse
Practical fundamentals for feeding an adult horse and assessing a feeding program.
University of Minnesota Extension
Using Hay in Horse Diets
Match hay and forage choices to the nutritional needs of different horses.
University of Minnesota Extension
Selecting and Storing Horse Hay
Evaluate hay quality and plan storage to protect the feed you buy.
University of Minnesota Extension
Caring for Your Senior Horse
Feeding, dental care and management considerations for an aging horse.
University of Minnesota Extension
Caring for the Underweight Horse
Assess possible causes of poor condition and plan care for a thin horse.
University of Minnesota Extension
Soaking Your Horse’s Hay
How soaking affects hay nutrients and what to consider before using it.
University of Minnesota Extension
Caring for Your Horse in the Winter
Adjust winter care for weather, drinking water and body condition.
University of Minnesota Extension
Caring for Horses in Hot Weather
Manage hot-weather care, water availability and signs of heat stress.
University of Minnesota Extension
Caring for Horses on a Budget
Plan the essentials of horse care while making practical use of your budget.
Cooperative Extension · Horses
Nutrients and Common Feed Sources for Horses
An introduction to equine nutrients and common feeds used to supply them.
Cooperative Extension · Horses
Feeding Management of the Equine
Feeding management considerations across classes of horses.
Cooperative Extension · Horses
Nutrition’s Role in Horse Colic and Laminitis
Explore how feeding decisions relate to digestive and hoof health.
Cooperative Extension · Horses
Assessing Horse Health and Well-being
Use observations and body condition to assess a horse’s overall well-being.
Oklahoma State University Extension
Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle
How body weight, production stage and milk output affect cattle nutrient needs.
University of Maryland Extension
Urinary Calculi in Male Goats and Sheep
Understand urinary-stone risk and the roles of diet, minerals and water.
Oregon State University Extension
Nutrition and Feeding for Sheep and Goats
A practical guide to small-ruminant nutrients, feeding and forage management.
Penn State Extension
Dairy Goat Production
An introduction to dairy goat management, nutrition, housing and herd health.
Penn State Extension
Are Your Sheep Consuming Enough Calcium?
Why calcium and calcium-to-phosphorus balance matter in sheep diets.
Utah State University Extension
Nutrition Guide for Rabbits
A reference for rabbit nutrition and choosing a healthy feeding program.
Penn State Extension
Rabbit Production
An overview of rabbit production, including housing, nutrition and health.
Penn State Extension
Raising Small Groups of Pigs
Practical planning for a small group of pigs, including feed, water and housing.
Penn State Extension
Swine Production
An overview of pig production systems and the management decisions involved.
Penn State Extension
So You Want to Raise Hogs?
Consider facilities, water and production goals before bringing pigs home.
Penn State Extension
Keeping Pigs Cool in Summer Heat
Ways to manage summer heat and support water and feed intake in pigs.
Penn State Extension
Cold Temperature Management for Pigs
Prepare pig housing and daily care for cold-weather conditions.
Utah State University Extension
Basic Show Pig Feeding and Care
An introduction to feeding and everyday care for a show pig.
Utah State University Extension
Pasture Pig Basics
Considerations for raising pigs on pasture while planning feed and management.
University of Minnesota Extension
Feeding Orphaned Foals
Feeding and monitoring considerations when a foal has lost its mother.
University of Illinois Extension
Start with a Forage Test
Collect representative hay samples and use test results when balancing a winter ration.
University of Illinois Extension
Prevention and Signs of Heat Stress in Cattle
Recognize hot-weather stress and review water, shade and handling practices for cattle.
University of Illinois Extension
How to Care for Backyard Chickens in Winter
Prepare a backyard coop and water supply for cold weather and monitor the flock through winter.
Guide Tucker Milling
Baby Chick Care & Nutrition
Brooder setup, complete chick feed, and a daily care routine.
Guide Tucker Milling
Poultry Care in Hot Weather
Shade, cool water, airflow, and feeding through hot, humid days.
Guide Tucker Milling
Poultry Care in Cold Weather
Dry housing, unfrozen water, complete feed, and care for vulnerable birds.
Guide Tucker Milling
Feeding Sheep & Goats
Forage, species-specific minerals, copper cautions, and separate feeding plans.
Guide Tucker Milling
Feeding Cattle on Pasture
Test forage, match supplements to cattle needs, and plan for changing seasons.
Guide Tucker Milling
Animal Nutrition Basics
Plain-language animal nutrition: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, energy, vitamins, minerals, digestibility, and bioavailability.
Guide Tucker Milling
Water in Animal Nutrition
Water access, cleanliness, supply, and quality for poultry, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats.
Guide Tucker Milling
Protein & Amino Acids
Essential amino acids, limiting amino acids, crude protein, and ruminant protein, with an original wine-barrel illustration.
Guide Tucker Milling
Fat in Animal Nutrition
Dietary fat, fatty acids, usable energy, freshness, and species differences in animal feeding.
Guide Tucker Milling
Carbohydrates & Fiber
Sugar, starch, fiber, microbial fermentation, and the differences between crude fiber, NDF, and ADF.
Guide Tucker Milling
Understanding Feed Energy
Gross, digestible, metabolizable, and net energy, plus species-specific DE, AMEn, TDN, and cattle net-energy systems.
Guide Tucker Milling
Vitamins & Minerals
Fat- and water-soluble vitamins, major and trace minerals, availability, interactions, and species-specific cautions.
Guide Tucker Milling
Beyond Guaranteed Analysis
Why proximate analysis and guaranteed protein, fat, and fiber values do not establish digestibility or bioavailability.
Guide Tucker Milling
What's Actually in Your Feed?
Why Tucker names feed ingredients and what collective terms leave out, including the historical fish meal and hydrolyzed leather example.
Guide Tucker Milling
Fresh Feed Shouldn't Require a Decoder
Read Julian feed date codes, understand Tucker’s plain bagging date and time, and ask better questions about feed freshness.
Guide Tucker Milling
Love Show Flock 22? Start with Show Flock Starter.
Start with the right starter and follow Show Flock, Quail and Game Bird, Tucker Prime, goat and Pasture Pure families through appropriate life stages.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
The Need for Feed Choices
A discussion of medicated chick starter, coccidiosis, and botanical feed additives, including oregano and saponins.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
Whole Grain Scratch Grains
How scratch grains fit into poultry feeding, with a look at whole grains, gizzard function, and balanced rations.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
Should You Pasture Your Birds?
Explores forage intake, flock behavior, egg quality, and complete feed in pasture-raised poultry systems.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
Protein Label Ponderings
Explains crude protein on feed labels and why digestible amino acids matter when comparing poultry feeds.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
What’s the Best Poultry Diet?
Considers poultry diet selection alongside treats, nutrient needs, clean water, and flock management.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
Rethinking Molting and Molt Nutrition
Examines laying-hen molt, changes in egg production, and the role of nutrition during the resting period.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
What a Corn-y Idea
Takes a closer look at feeding corn in winter, dietary heat production, shelter, and complete poultry feed.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
Hot Chicken Surprise
Discusses poultry heat stress, humidity, feed quality, and nutritional support during hot weather.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
Feeding For Meat, Eggs, Or Both?
Compares the nutrient needs of meat birds, laying hens, and mixed flocks, including calcium and amino acids.
Chicken Whisperer Magazine · Curran Gehring, Ph.D.
It Ain’t Chicken Feed Anymore
A historical look at the ingredient, transportation, and global market pressures behind rising feed prices in 2022.
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