What should I feed my chickens?
Over the last decade, chickens have become more popular, not only as a source of homegrown eggs, but also as house pets. All chickens belong to the species Gallus gallus. There are hundreds of chicken breeds across the world, but only 65 breeds are recognized by the American Poultry Association.
Chickens are fun, playful, friendly, small pets and, given the right environment, they can be enjoyable in an outdoor or indoor environment.
Like all small pets, chickens require the proper diet, protection from predators, and room to move around. Most adult chickens eat about 4 ounces (133 grams) of food per day. Food should always be available, as chickens of all ages graze throughout the entire day.
A commercial, high-quality diet will supply the proper nutrition to ensure your chickens obtain all the nutrition they need. Homemade or feed-store mixed rations are often not complete and may lead to serious malnutrition. Fresh water must be available at all times.
Baby Chicks
Chicks less than 8 weeks old need a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth. A starter feed or ration is essential for young chicks. The protein content should range from 18% to 22% and the calcium content should be 1%.
Growing Chicks
Chicks over 8 weeks of age and up to 20 weeks of age should be fed a slightly lower protein content than baby chicks, as they no longer have the increased requirements for feather and muscle growth.
Protein levels should be 16% to 18% in growing hens and roosters. Calcium levels should remain around 1%. Some breeds, like the Golden Comet and Australorp, can lay earlier than 20 weeks of age, so it is important to know your chicken’s breed when selecting a diet.
Adult Laying Hens
Most chicken breeds over 20 weeks of age need an increased level of calcium to support egg laying in female chickens. The protein can remain between 16% and 18%, but the diet’s calcium level should be 2.5% to 4%. Layer pellets (pellet feed) will fulfill both of these requirements. Again, fresh water must always be available.
Roosters and Show Chickens
Roosters and show chickens that are not regularly laying eggs may do well on either layer pellets or growing pellets, but they do not need the higher levels of calcium in layer pellets. In backyard flocks where it may be difficult to separate the roosters, it may be easier to feed layer pellets to adult roosters and hens.
Can I give my chickens treats or other supplements?
You can give your chickens treats in addition to their feed, but treats should not comprise more than 10% of the daily intake from all food sources. The following supplemental items may be added to your chicken’s diet as treats:
- Greens: Most chickens love fresh, leafy greens. Leafy greens are a great way to add extra nutrition to their diet. Some good greens for chickens include kale, turnip greens, collard greens, and Swiss chard.
- Fruits and vegetables: Chickens enjoy eating fruits and vegetables besides greens, and some good options include apples, grapes, carrots, and tomatoes.
- Grains: Grains are another essential part of a chicken’s diet. Some good options include oats, barley, and wheat.
- Insects: Insects, like mealworms, are an excellent source of protein for chickens, and they love to eat them. If you have an insect problem in your garden, you can use your chickens as natural pest control by letting them loose in the affected area. Otherwise, you can purchase insects from a local pet store or online retailer.
- Scratch or scratch feed: Chicken scratch is not a complete ration. It is meant as a treat and should never be fed as the main diet.
By understanding the nutritional needs of different life stages, you can ensure that your feathered friends thrive in your care. Remember that while commercial feeds are designed to meet these requirements, treats like greens, fruits, and insects can enhance their diet and enrich their lives, when provided in moderation.
