If you’ve been on any social media this winter, you’ve probably heard about the Purina Chicken Feed debacle. I’m not going to go into it, so if you didn’t don’t worry about it. I will say that I stand on both sides of the argument. I am not willing to put all of my eggs in one basket (see what I did there). That being said, I don’t use manufactured feed for my backyard ladies. They get fermented local mill feed.

Either way, however you feel about the debate, it is important of you to understand the needs of your chickens and I’ve “done the research” for you. There is so information much that I had to make a 2 page printable! Lets get right into it.

The Crop

Before we cover what goes into the chicken, let’s talk about how they digest food. Chickens don't have teeth. They swallow everything whole. The food they eat collects in their crop. Here the food is churned with tiny rocks and pebbles they pick up while eating. When the food is turned into a digestible consistency it then travels to their stomach.

Grit

The tiny rocks and pebbles the chickens eat is called grit. The grit acts in place of teeth in the crop to break down the seeds and grains. Free range chickens can find grit on their own, but enclosed chickens will need to have grit available. You can do this two ways. 1) Use construction sand as your run flooring 2) Provide supplemental grit to them either in a dish or mixed into their scratch.

Water

Clean water is vital to chicken health. Do not keep water inside the coop, but it must be readily available in the run and/or outside of the coop. Wash water receptacles regularly to keep them clear of mold and algae.

Amino Acids

Chickens are omnivores, meaning they require both plant and meat in their diet to be able to lay eggs and grow new feathers after molting. Amino Acids are generally balanced in layer crumbles and pellets but there are some kitchen scraps you can toss them that can help supplement: broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, egg yolks, garlic, wheat germ, cooked beans, cabbage, fish meal, cooked lentils and chick peas, strawberries and small amounts of yogurt.

Some people offer their chickens cat food to supplement amino acids. It's not something we do at 3 Dog but if you have access to a high quality cat food it can be a good source.

Protein

Chickens require different amounts of protein at different times of their lives. Manufactured feeds vary greatly so evaluate labels carefully when choosing a brand.

• Chicks up 6-8 weeks of age: 20- 22% protein (use a chick starter)

• Young birds over eight weeks: 17- 18% protein. (start using a layer feed at this point)

• Once pullets start laying and throughout their egg-laying cycle: 16-17% protein.

• Molting birds can be fed up 18- 20% protein and less calcium.

• In winter months hens require additional protein supplements to aid in egg production

• Roosters to not require the protein and calcium percentages that hens do. Excess calcium can cause health problems for roosters and young pullets.

Vitamins

Complete chicken feeds generally contain the needed vitamins and minerals. These can be supplemented with kitchen scraps or supplement products

• Vitamin A: Aids in egg production and your chicken’s growth

• Vitamin D: Strengthens eggshells and increases egg production

• Vitamin E: Aids in general growth and reproduction - supports chicks with wry neck or splayed leg

• Vitamin K: Supports healthy blood and muscles

• Vitamin B1: Helps with metabolizing carbohydrate

• Vitamin B2: Supports growth

Minerals

Calcium, Phosphorus and Salt are all essential to your chickens skeletal health. Calcium is needed for your hens to produce proper egg shells. Soft shell eggs or misshapen eggs are a sign of a calcium deficiency. Supplements include limestone, oyster shell, meat and bone meal and even their own egg shells dried and crushed.

Carbohydrates

An energy source for most animals, chickens are no exception. corn, wheat, barley, and other grains can be found in most scratch mixes.

Fats

Fatty acids are essential to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats can not be added to dehydrated feeds, instead antioxidants are added to feeds to take place of the fats. Commonly listed as ethoxyquin. Flax seed and fish meal offer Omega 3 fatty acids and can be mixed into their feed. Making scratch blocks with coconut oil, tallow or lard can be an excellent way to supplement the needed fats into your chickens diet.

So now you know what your chickens need to be healthy and happy egg layers. You have options! Let’s explore them

Scratch

Chickens eat by scratching the ground and pecking their food. That's why scratch is called...well, scratch. Containing many different combinations of whole grains. Most scratch brands start with a base of cracked or rolled corn, barley, oats, wheat berries, sunflower seeds, milo and millet. Scratch is not nutrient dense and is not a stand alone feed. It's more like a dessert or snack. We like to toss the scratch around in the yard during the day to keep the chickens busy.

Crumble or Pellet Layer Feed

Layer crumble or pellet feed is a manufactured chicken feed specifically formulated to contain the necessary nutrition needed for your hens to lay eggs. Each brand varies in formulation. It is worth reading labels and comparing brands if more than one is available to you. This feed to is processed into a mash then dried either as crumble or formed into pellets. The feed is then easily broken down in the chickens crop, requiring less grit in their diet.

Most layer feed has a higher protein content, but will need additional protein supplements during the winter months to encourage egg production. Dry feed should be available at all times in the feeders. Chickens will consume an average of 1-2 pounds of feed a week.

Mill Feed

Layer crumble or pellet feed is a manufactured chicken feed specifically formulated to contain the necessary nutrition needed for your hens to lay eggs. Each brand varies in formulation. It is worth reading labels and comparing brands if more than one is available to you. This feed to is processed into a mash then dried either as crumble or formed into pellets. The feed is then easily broken down in the chickens crop, requiring less grit in their diet.

Most layer feed has a higher protein content, but will need additional protein supplements during the winter months to encourage egg production. Dry feed should be available at all times in the feeders. Chickens will consume an average of 1-2 pounds of feed a week.

Fermented Feed

Any feed can be fermented whether it’s crumble, mill feed or even chick starter. There are a lot of benefits for fermenting the chicken feed. Number one being you’ll use half the amount of feed that you do when you feed dry and that is a huge money saving benefit on your homestead!

I’ve already written a post about my fermenting process and you can read all about it here.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV offers immune support by attacking bad bacteria in the digestive tract. Also provides vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It helps with the absorption of calcium. Simply add it to the water! 1ml per bird each day.

Oyster Shells

Oyster shells are a product that can used to supplement calcium needs. These can be mixed with their scratch.

Meal Worms/ Larve

Dried or live worms provide additional protein and your chickens will LOVE them. They are expensive to purchase so we use them sparingly. You can start a meal work farm and raise them yourself. Protein can also be supplemented with black sunflower seeds.

Fodder

Chicken Fodder is micro greens grown in trays, usually without soil. Any grain or bean can be sprouted for fodder. There are many fodder systems available from small scale to very large. It's worth looking in to as an added nutrient benefit for your hens. I’ve written a post about my small scale sprouting system I do right in my kitchen! You can read about it here It’s #6 and includes links to they trays I use.

There it is! Everything you need to know about your chicken’s nutrition. Click on the picture below to access the printable version.