Where to Buy Chook Feed in Torquay (And What to Look For)
Backyard chooks have become a genuine Surf Coast staple. Half the hobby farms and even plenty of suburban Torquay backyards have a few running around. But the feed aisle can be more confusing than it needs to be. Here's a simple breakdown of what your chooks actually need, and where to get it locally.
The Basics: What Stage Are Your Chooks At?
Chook feed isn't one-size-fits-all — what you feed depends on their age and purpose.
Chick starter (0–6 weeks): A higher-protein crumble formulated for growth. Don't skip this stage, chicks need more protein than adult birds to develop properly.
Grower feed (6–18 weeks): A step-down formula that supports development without the excess calcium adult layers need (too much calcium too early can affect a growing bird's kidneys).
Layer feed (18+ weeks, once they're laying): Formulated with added calcium to support strong eggshells, plus the protein and energy needed for regular laying. This usually comes as pellets or a layer mash/crumble.
Pellets vs Mash vs Scratch Mix: What's the Difference?
Pellets are a complete, balanced feed compressed into a uniform size, which means less wastage, and chooks can't pick out the "good bits" and leave the rest.
Mash/crumble is the same nutritional idea in a looser, unprocessed form. Some chooks prefer the texture, though there's slightly more wastage.
Scratch mix (grains like wheat, corn and barley) is a treat and foraging supplement, not a complete feed. It shouldn't make up the bulk of their diet, but it's great for enrichment and encouraging natural scratching behaviour.
Don't Forget Shell Grit!
Even on a good layer pellet, offering shell grit separately (in a small dish they can access as needed) or mixed through their pellet, supports eggshell strength and helps with digestion. It's a small addition that makes a real difference to egg quality.
Buying Chook Feed in Torquay
Since Torquay Stockfeeds closed in 2023, Torquay hasn't had a dedicated local stockfeed store, until Surfcoast Rural opened to fill that gap. We stock chook feed suited to every stage, from chick starter through to layer pellets, plus scratch mix and shell grit, alongside feed for pretty much every other animal on a Surf Coast property.
We're at 5/22 Cylinders Drive, Torquay, just past Haystacks Drive off the Surf Coast Highway. If getting in isn't easy, we also run weekly stockfeed deliveries within the Torquay region.
Got more than just chooks? See our full range of animal feed HERE.