What to feed Chickens
Raising livestock of any size can be overwhelming starting out especially when it comes to their nutrition. This guide on what to feed chickens will give you an overview to help you better understand what ingredients they need and why.
Raising chickens that are healthy, hardy, and happy all begins with their care.
Chickens love to eat so much so that other than sleeping or laying eggs, that is basically all they do throughout the day.
Watch a flock of chickens, and they are either eating or scratching the ground looking for food.
When food is such a focus, it is important to ensure they are eating the best for them. So the nutrition they are getting is supporting what the chicken needs.
To thrive, be healthy, and lay plenty of eggs.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into specific ingredients, it’s important to first understand the basic dietary needs of chickens. Chickens are omnivorous birds, meaning they need a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Protein is essential for muscle and tissue growth. It is also crucial for egg production.
- Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities.
- Fats help with insulation and protect against extreme temperatures.
- Vitamins and minerals play a role in various bodily functions and overall health.
Most, if not all, commercial feeds will contain the ingredients needed for your flock. If you choose to mix your own feed, knowing the percentages of each will help.
Homestead Harvest Non-GMO Whole Grain Layer Blend 16% – Chicken Feed for Laying Hens and Ducks
Purina Layena+ | Nutritionally Complete Layer Hen Feed | Omega 3 Formula – 10 Pound (10 lb) BagCountryMax Hen Egg Layer Pellet with 16% Protein for Increased Egg Production for Chickens (50 Pounds)
Key Ingredients
Now let’s dive into the main ingredients that make up a chicken’s diet.
- Corn and Wheat: These grains are high in carbohydrates and provide energy for chickens.
- Soybean Meal: This is a good source of protein, particularly for laying hens.
- Oats: Another carbohydrate-rich grain that also contains some protein and fiber.
- Fish Meal: A great source of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for egg production.
- Calcium: Chickens need calcium for strong eggshells, so crushed or ground oyster shells can be added to their feed or left out free-choice.
- Grit: Chickens do not have teeth, so they need grit (small, hard particles) to help them grind up food for digestion.
- Supplements: Just like humans, chickens can benefit from additional vitamins and minerals in their diet. This can come in the form of a commercial supplement or natural sources such as greens, fruits, and vegetables.
Manna Pro 7-Grain Ultimate Chicken Scratch – Scratch Grain Treat for Chickens and Other Birds – Non-GMO Natural Ingredients – 10 lbsI LOVE WORMS Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae (5lb), 100% Natural Non-GMO, Treat for Chickens, More Calcium Chicken Feed Than MealwormsLove My Girls: Chicken Snacks – Pumpkin & Worms – 2lb Bag – Global Harvest, Gourmet Multi-Grain Treats, Corn-Free, Nutritious & Protein Rich Mealworms
Choosing the Right Feed
Commercial feeds are bagged to meet the nutritional needs of the bird at the age they are at now. Most bags will have a grid on the back of the bag allowing you to make the best choice.
- Starter/Grower Feed: This is a high-protein feed specifically designed for chicks up to 16 weeks old.
- Layer Feed: This type of feed has higher levels of calcium and lower levels of protein, making it suitable for laying hens.
- Broiler Feed: This is a high-protein feed designed for meat chickens to promote rapid growth.
- Organic Feed: Made with certified organic ingredients and free of antibiotics and pesticides, this type of feed can be a good choice for those looking to raise their flock naturally.
Should you purchase feed or make it?
There are pros and cons to both purchasing pre-made feed or making it yourself.
#1. Purchasing Feed
Pros: Purchasing bagged feed is convenient and ensures that your chickens are getting the necessary nutrients in their diet.
Cons: Buying bags, especially for larger flocks, can also be expensive. Bags are also very heavy, something you may need to keep in mind when deciding. The good news is many stores now have a delivery that is either free or has a small cost.
#2. Making Feed
Pros: Making your own feed gives you complete control over the ingredients. Mixing can also save you money, especially if you can purchase in bulk.
Cons: You will need to have a secure way to store ingredients in a feed room or area in a barn. Making feed does take more time and effort, as well as knowledge of proper nutrition for chickens.
I love our plastic food storage bins. They are easy to use and keep out mice and ants.
#3. Mixture of Both
Another option is to purchase a base feed and supplement it with natural sources such as kitchen scraps or garden produce.
Different Forms of Feed
Chicken feed comes in 3 primary forms: pellets, crumbles, and ground-up. What form you choose will depend on what your flock prefers. I have tried them all and found that crumbles are the best for our flock.
We also used ground-up feed in the winter because I can add some water to make it into a mash. Feeding mash ensures our flock gets hydration and nutrition, which is important when the winter weather hits.
Not sure what to feed your flock in the snowy months? Our guide on What to Feed Chickens in the Winter will help.
SLCG Pro Tip: Cut out the back of the bag of feed you routinely feed to your flock and put it into your chicken care binder. This helpful information is good to have when you are researching issues that come up.
If you see the shells of your eggs are fragile, you can look to see how much calcium is in the feed. Knowing where you are can help you to adjust more easily.
Get our tips on washing and storing eggs so they last.
How Much to Feed Your Chickens
How much you feed your chickens will depend on several things, including the breed, age, and size of your flock.
On our homestead, we prefer to use a continuous feeder, allowing our chickens to eat on demand. This is an efficient way to keep your flock fed and will help you to raise hardier chickens.
Do not worry about wasting feed or having chickens that overeat. Nature is amazing, and your flock will know when they are hungry and will eat only until they are full.
Supplementing Chicken Feed
While commercial chicken feed provides all the necessary nutrients for your flock, it is always good to supplement it with healthy additions. This not only adds variety to their diet but also helps reduce feed costs.
Some great supplementary options include:
- Kitchen scraps such as vegetable peels and fruit rinds.
- Garden surpluses like leafy greens and herbs.
- Seasonal, such as pumpkins, squash, or apples.
Avoid feeding your chickens anything toxic or harmful to them, such as avocado pits or raw potato peelings.
Get Our Full List of Chicken Treats here.
SLCG Pro Tip: Consider growing a chicken-friendly garden that includes plants and insects that are safe and nutritious for your flock. This can help offset feed costs while giving fresh and organic food.
Providing high-quality feed is an important part of raising healthy and productive chickens and roosters.
Start with a good quality feed in a form your flock will eat. Supplement with fresh food to provide them with a balanced diet, and use the best feeder to ensure everyone in the flock is getting enough.
Keep this chicken feeding guide in your binder so you have all the information you need if adjustments need to be made.
