Making natural chicken feed at home can be a rewarding way to provide your chickens with healthy, nutrient-rich food. Here’s a basic guide to help you get started:
1. Understand Chicken Nutrition Needs
Chickens need a balanced diet that includes:
- Protein: For growth and egg production.
- Carbohydrates: For energy.
- Fats: For energy and to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for overall health, especially calcium for laying hens.
- Fiber: For digestive health.
2. Ingredients for Natural Chicken Feed
Here’s a list of ingredients you can include:
- Grains: Whole grains are great for chickens. Common options are:
- Corn (whole or cracked)
- Wheat (whole or cracked)
- Barley
- Oats
- Protein Sources:
- Soybean meal (or other legume meals)
- Sunflower seeds (hulled)
- Fish meal (if available, adds omega-3s)
- Earthworms or mealworms (for a natural protein boost)
- Vegetables & Greens:
- Leafy greens like kale, spinach, or dandelion leaves
- Carrot scraps or beet greens
- Squash seeds and other garden leftovers
- Calcium:
- Crushed oyster shells (for laying hens)
- Crushed eggshells
- Gravel or Grit:
- Helps with digestion, especially if they don’t have access to a lot of natural grit outside.
3. Recipe Example (Basic Mix)
Here’s a simple recipe you can try:
- 40% corn (cracked or whole)
- 20% wheat or oats
- 10% sunflower seeds
- 10% soybean meal (or an alternative plant-based protein)
- 10% leafy greens (like kale or spinach)
- 5% crushed oyster shells (for calcium)
- 5% grit (if not already available outside)
You can adjust the proportions depending on what’s available to you and the specific needs of your chickens. For example, if they’re laying eggs, you might increase the calcium content.
4. Mixing and Storing
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Store the feed in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh. You can keep it in a large container with a lid to avoid pests.
- Grain Variety: You can rotate different grains and vegetables to add variety and ensure nutritional diversity.
5. Supplement with Free-Range Foraging
If your chickens have access to free-range land, they’ll be able to forage for bugs, plants, and seeds, which can supplement their diet with additional protein and micronutrients. Free-ranging allows them to pick at insects, worms, and small plants, which is great for their overall health.
6. Monitor and Adjust
- Observe your chickens: If they seem to be lacking certain nutrients (e.g., eggs with soft shells, weight loss, or lethargy), consider adjusting their feed.
- Consult a local agricultural expert: If you’re unsure about the nutritional needs of your chickens, it’s always good to check with a local expert or vet.
Tips:
- You can also add natural probiotics like apple cider vinegar (in small amounts) to their water for gut health.
- Always provide fresh water along with the feed.
By making your own feed, you can ensure that your chickens get a more natural and balanced diet. Plus, you can be creative with what you add based on what’s available and affordable in your area.
