What Do Chickens Eat? A Guide to Proper Chicken Nutrition

What Do Chickens Need to Eat for a Balanced Diet?

Making the best food for your chickens can be challenging, especially if you're a first-time owner. The right food is crucial for your chickens' health, behavior, and the quality of the eggs they produce. Luckily, no matter your experience level, it's not too hard to figure out what to feed your chickens. Just like with pets like cats or dogs, chickens need specific nutrients and ingredients to stay healthy. Here are some important things to consider when preparing food for your chickens. While there’s some flexibility based on your budget and preferences, there are a few essential ingredients that should always be included in their meals.

Meat Protein

Protein is essential for your chickens, especially for producing high-quality eggs. Complex proteins can be tough for chickens to digest, which might lead to unusual feeding habits. Free-range chickens naturally eat worms and insects that are rich in protein. To help your chickens, you can add fish oil and fish meal to their diet year-round. During winter and summer, consider giving them crickets and worms as treats. Your chickens will enjoy these tasty treats, and the protein will help them grow stronger and healthier.

Calcium

Calcium is crucial for your chickens’ health and for the quality of their eggs. Many owners think about calcium pills and supplements, but you often don’t need those. Instead, you can give your chickens eggshells, which are an easy and quick source of calcium. Some farmers have different opinions about using eggshells, but it’s one of the most straightforward ways to ensure your chickens get the calcium they need. If laying hens don’t get enough calcium, they can develop health issues later. A calcium deficiency can also lead to thin-shelled eggs.

Whole Corn and Grains

Many chicken owners make mistakes when it comes to feeding corn and grains. Some mix in too many dried corn kernels and grains, which can lead to overweight and unhealthy chickens. Foods like cereal grains and bread should be given sparingly; they make good snacks but shouldn’t be the main part of their diet. If fed in moderation, these can provide necessary nutrients and even improve the richness of the egg yolks. Just be sure to adjust their diet based on the results you see.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are an important part of chicken food. They not only help your chickens stay healthy but also contribute to creating nutritious eggs. Many people don’t realize how beneficial greens are for chickens. Foods like beet greens, kale, and lettuce can have a big positive impact on their health. Try adding small amounts of these greens to their meals regularly and observe the changes. As with any meal plan, be ready to adjust based on how your chickens respond.

Grass and Fibers

Although it may seem unusual, grass and hay can be great supplements for your chickens. They provide something for your chickens to peck at while also giving them the fiber they need for better digestion. Some owners use grass and hay in their compost piles by leaving them in a corner of the coop. This can be convenient since you won’t have to turn the compost often. Normally, compost takes about a year to be ready, but with chickens, it can be ready in four to six months.

Water

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your chickens need plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated. Water helps them eliminate waste, supports a healthy metabolism, and ensures that nutrients move where they need to go. You can create elaborate meals for your chickens, but without fresh water, they risk serious health issues. Remember, about fifty percent of an egg is water, so the quality of their eggs will also decrease without proper hydration.