Grow These 5 Crops For FREE Chicken Feed | Self Sufficient Livestock Grain

Grow These 5 Crops For FREE Chicken Feed | Self Sufficient Livestock Grain

Grow These 5 Crops for FREE Chicken Feed | Self-Sufficient Livestock Grain

Raising chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but as any backyard poultry keeper knows, chicken feed can get expensive! While commercial feed is often necessary to meet all of your chickens’ nutritional needs, growing your own crops to supplement their diet is a great way to save money, improve sustainability, and increase your self-sufficiency. Not only do these crops provide fresh, nutritious food for your flock, but many are also easy to grow and require minimal resources. Here are 5 crops you can grow to help feed your chickens for free!

1. Corn

Corn is one of the most common and nutritious grains for chickens. It’s high in carbohydrates, which provide energy for your hens, and it’s a relatively easy crop to grow. Corn can be fed to your chickens in a variety of ways, whether it’s whole, cracked, or ground into a meal.

• How to Grow: Corn thrives in warm weather and needs a lot of sunlight, so plant it in late spring once the frost has passed. Corn also requires well-drained soil and regular watering. The plants can grow quite tall (up to 8 feet), so be sure to space them about 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
• Benefits: Corn is high in energy, making it an excellent choice for supplementing your chickens’ diet, especially during the colder months when they need extra calories to stay warm.

2. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are not only beautiful and easy to grow, but they are also packed with healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins. Chickens love sunflower seeds, and they’re a great source of nutrition, especially in the winter months when other food sources might be limited.

• How to Grow: Sunflowers need full sunlight and warm temperatures to grow successfully. Plant the seeds directly in the soil after the last frost, spacing them about 12 inches apart. They are relatively drought-tolerant, but make sure to water them regularly during dry periods.
• Benefits: Sunflower seeds are rich in fat and protein, which helps with egg production, especially during molting. The seeds also provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your chickens’ overall health and the quality of their eggs.

3. Oats

Oats are an excellent choice for feeding chickens because they are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins, which contribute to overall health, good digestion, and healthy egg production. Oats are also easy to grow and can be harvested early in the summer for a nutritious treat.

• How to Grow: Oats are cool-season crops that prefer cooler climates. They do well in soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Plant oats in early spring and make sure the soil is not too wet, as this can lead to diseases.
• Benefits: Oats are high in fiber, which promotes good digestion and helps your chickens process food more effectively. They can be fed as whole or cracked oats and are also excellent for sprouting, adding fresh greens to your chickens’ diet.

4. Peas

Peas are another fantastic crop to grow for chicken feed. They’re high in protein and contain essential amino acids, which are great for supporting egg production and maintaining the health of your flock. Plus, peas grow quickly and are easy to harvest.

• How to Grow: Peas grow well in cool climates, making them ideal for early spring or fall planting. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a little frost. Plant peas 1-2 inches deep and space the seeds about 2 inches apart. They will need some form of trellis or support, as pea vines tend to grow upwards.
• Benefits: Peas are high in protein and low in fat, which can help improve your chickens’ muscle mass and egg production. You can feed peas to your chickens either whole or dried, and they also make a great addition to homemade chicken treats.

5. Amaranth

Amaranth is a superfood that’s easy to grow and full of nutrients for your chickens. It’s high in protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Amaranth produces both edible leaves (which you can feed to your chickens) and seeds, which can be harvested and dried for winter feed.

• How to Grow: Amaranth thrives in warm weather and full sun. It’s a drought-tolerant crop, making it a great option if you live in a dry climate. Plant the seeds after the last frost in well-drained, fertile soil, and space them 12 inches apart.
• Benefits: Both the leaves and seeds of amaranth are edible and nutritious for chickens. The seeds are high in protein and minerals, making them excellent for egg production, while the leaves can be fed fresh or dried as a leafy green supplement.

Tips for Growing Your Own Chicken Feed

• Diversify Your Crops: Planting a variety of crops will help ensure that your chickens receive a balanced diet. By rotating different grains and seeds, you’ll provide a range of essential nutrients.
• Supplement with Greenery: In addition to grains, consider growing leafy greens like kale, lettuce, and spinach, which are great sources of vitamins and minerals.
• Harvest and Store: When you harvest these crops, make sure to store them properly. Many grains can be dried and stored for winter use, while others, like peas and amaranth, can be fed fresh or dried. Proper storage will ensure you always have a nutritious food supply for your chickens.

Conclusion

Growing your own chicken feed is a great way to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and provide your flock with nutritious, homegrown food. Crops like corn, sunflower seeds, oats, peas, and amaranth are not only easy to grow but also packed with the essential nutrients chickens need to stay healthy and productive. With just a little effort and planning, you can ensure that your chickens have a constant supply of fresh feed, all while reducing your reliance on store-bought grains. Whether you’re aiming for self-sufficiency or just want to cut down on feed costs, these five crops are a fantastic place to start!