Purina’s ‘Flock-Tober’ Celebrates Backyard Chickens

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What do a beauty pageant, coop bling and nationwide game nights have in common? For backyard chicken enthusiasts, they’re all part of annual Purina Flock-Tober festivities held online and at local Purina retailers each September and October.

“Springtime is for baby chicks, and fall is for Purina Flock-Tober,” said Katie Signorelli, backyard flock marketing manager with Purina Animal Nutrition. “Flock-Tober has become one of our favorite seasons because spring-born chicks are just starting to lay eggs and mature hens are laying strong. We’re excited to keep the poultry party going in 2018 with our fourth annual Purina Flock-Tober celebration.”

Highlights of Purina Flock-Tober 2018 include:

Local celebrations and free chicken coop signs: Last year, more than 100,000 people tuned in to the Flock-Tober coop sign reveal on the Purina Poultry Facebook page. Back by popular demand, chicken raisers can again receive a free limited edition coop sign with the purchase of Purina poultry feed at participating Purina retailers. This year’s sign designs include: “Waddle on in,” “The rooster crows but the hen delivers” and “L🐔VE.” Select retailers will also host in-store Purina Flock Talks to offer hands-on workshops and share chicken-raising tips.

Social media contests and tips: For a chance to win prize packages, including a year’s supply of poultry feed, flock enthusiasts can enter the Miss Flock-Tober pageant on the Purina Poultry Facebook page. There will be four categories: Miss Helpful, Miss Congeniality, Miss Performance and Miss Fancy Feathers. Team Purina will also broadcast from the backyard coops at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center and host a Thursday flock game day on the Facebook page each week.

Strong hens, strong eggs: Strong hens strut their stuff. They walk the backyard with confidence. To look and feel their best, hens should transition from starter-grower feed to layer feed at 18 weeks of age or when the first egg arrives. Choose a layer feed that includes the Purina Oyster Strong System to help hens lay eggs with strong, protective eggshells. Chicken raisers can try Purina layer feeds through their Feed Greatness Challenge.