There are a lot of options when it comes to chicken feed. There is so much information to wade through, that it can feel overwhelming to feed your chickens. I’m going to take it back to basics so that you can feel confident at feeding time.
Just Feed the Cluckers
When the first batch of eggs hatched, I was not prepared to raise the baby chicks. I grabbed the cheapest chick starter off the shelf and away we went. The chicks were all fine, but by the second spring I was a lot more knowledgeable. Or as some might say, picky. But in my defense, if I am going to put the time, effort, and money into raising my own food then I want the highest quality. Otherwise I would buy the cheap junk at the store.
Feed Your Chickens as Babies
Baby chicks need smaller food than the adult chickens, which makes total sense. I prefer to feed my chickens organic feed. The protein content and size of the food varies based on the needs of the bird. I keep my chicks in the brooder until they are eating layer food.
We get the Scratch and Peck brand from Azure Standard. They have different feeds for different life stages. For chicks up to 8 weeks old, there are starter feeds. From 8 weeks until 20 weeks they get grower feeds. After 20 weeks they eat layer feed. Chickens of all ages and stages need grit since they do not have teeth.
Some people recommend medicated food for chicks under 6 weeks. I avoid medicated feeds and instead opt for herbs, apple cider vinegar, and a clean environment. So far everybody has grown into a healthy, happy chicken.
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Feed Your Chickens as Adults
Adult birds need a feed with 16%-18% protein and around 3% calcium. Keep in mind these levels are the ideal ratios to get as many eggs as possible. For many years chickens survived on table scraps and what they could forage. I doubt Laura Ingalls calculated the protein in her leftovers. That also came with a decrease in egg production.
When you feed your chickens avoid scratch mixes. The birds will pick out what they want and skip what they do not. Just like your pets, they can get spoiled and turn their beaks up at foods they don’t want. Pellets, mash, and crumbles are uniform and therefore the birds can’t get picky. My favorite is the layer mash from Scratch and Peck.
Feed Your Chickens Scraps
Chickens are omnivores so they can eat just about anything. They will forage for bugs, small animals, and plants. You can also provide them with scraps from the kitchen.
Feed Your Chickens…
Their own eggs & shells (just smash them up so they don’t look like eggs)
Leafy greens
Weeds from the garden
Fruit and vegetable scraps whether cooked or raw
Cooked beans
Cooked meat
Seeds
Cooked fish
Whole grains
Herbs
Flowers
Don’t Feed Your Chickens…
Moldy food
Rotten fruits or vegetables
Processed food
Dry beans
Raw potato
Rhubarb leaves
Coffee
Avocado pits or skins
Chocolate
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