Make Your Own Organic Chicken Feed & Save Money!
Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience, but purchasing organic chicken feed can get expensive. The good news is that you can make your own organic chicken feed with a few simple ingredients, and it’s often cheaper than store-bought alternatives. Not only is it a more affordable option, but making your own feed also allows you to have complete control over what your chickens are eating. Here’s how to make your own organic chicken feed and save money in the process!
Why Make Your Own Chicken Feed?
- Cost-Effective: Organic chicken feed from the store can be pricey. By sourcing your own ingredients, you can often save a significant amount of money over time.
- Control Over Ingredients: Making your own feed means you can choose high-quality ingredients that suit your flock’s needs. You can also avoid any harmful additives or preservatives often found in commercial feed.
- Customization: You can tailor the feed to your chickens’ specific needs, such as laying hens, meat chickens, or chicks, ensuring they get the right nutrients at every stage of growth.
- Reduce Waste: You can repurpose food scraps and leftovers that might otherwise go to waste, providing a more sustainable option for feeding your flock.
Key Ingredients for Organic Chicken Feed
To make your own organic chicken feed, you’ll need a blend of grains, proteins, and essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ingredients for a balanced, organic chicken feed.
1. Grains (Energy Source)
Grains are the primary source of energy for your chickens. You’ll want to include a mix of the following organic grains:
- Corn: Provides a high energy source and is one of the most common ingredients in chicken feed.
- Oats: High in fiber and good for digestion.
- Barley: Another good energy grain, often used as a supplement to corn.
- Wheat: High in protein and also offers energy.
Proportions: A good starting point is 50-60% grains in your feed mix.
2. Protein (For Growth and Egg Production)
Chickens need protein for muscle growth, feather development, and egg production. You can add the following to your homemade feed:
- Soybeans: Organic soybeans are a high-protein source. Make sure they are properly processed to eliminate harmful toxins (such as trypsin inhibitors).
- Peas: A great organic source of protein and fiber.
- Sunflower seeds: Rich in protein and fats.
- Lentils: A good plant-based protein, especially for egg layers.
- Alfalfa meal: Great for protein and also provides vitamins and minerals.
Proportions: About 20-25% protein in your feed mix is ideal for laying hens. Adjust according to your flock’s needs (meat birds might need higher protein).
3. Calcium (For Strong Eggs)
Calcium is essential for laying hens to produce strong eggs with hard shells. You can add:
- Crushed oyster shells: Organic and natural calcium source.
- Ground limestone: Another common calcium supplement.
- Eggshells: You can crush your chickens’ own eggshells and add them back to their feed. It’s a great way to recycle and provide calcium.
Proportions: Add 2-3% calcium to the feed mix for laying hens. If you’re raising broilers, you may not need as much.
4. Vitamins & Minerals (Essential for Health)
Chickens need a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. You can provide these through specific ingredients or add a natural mineral supplement. Some sources include:
- Kelp meal: A great source of trace minerals and iodine.
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade): While not a nutrient, it can help with internal parasite control.
- Seaweed meal: Rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Black oil sunflower seeds: Not only a good source of protein but also provides essential fatty acids and some vitamins.
Proportions: The rest of the feed (about 10-15%) can be used for minerals and additional vitamins.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Organic Chicken Feed
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to mix them. Here’s how to make your own feed:
1. Gather Ingredients:
- Organic corn (ground or cracked) – 2 parts
- Organic oats (crushed or whole) – 2 parts
- Organic barley or wheat – 1 part
- Organic soybean or peas (or a combination) – 1 part
- Crushed oyster shells – 1/4 part (for laying hens)
- Black oil sunflower seeds – 1/2 part (optional for extra fat and protein)
- Kelp meal – 1/4 part (optional, for minerals)
- Diatomaceous earth (optional, for parasite control)
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- Use a large container or a dedicated feed mixing drum.
- Begin by adding the grains and protein sources. Mix them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Add your calcium supplement (crushed oyster shell or ground limestone) and mix again.
- Add the minerals (kelp meal, diatomaceous earth) and any additional vitamins or supplements.
3. Store Your Feed:
- Store the mixed feed in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent pests.
- Keep it in a cool, dry location to avoid spoilage.
- Use the feed within 2-3 months for optimal freshness and nutritional value.
Additional Tips for Homemade Organic Chicken Feed
- Supplement with Fresh Greens: Chickens love fresh greens, and they’re an excellent addition to their diet. You can give them lettuce, kale, spinach, dandelion greens, or clover from your garden. These provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Include Scratch Grains for Variety: Scratch grains are a great occasional treat for chickens. They consist of cracked grains like corn and wheat and can help keep your chickens entertained while they forage.
- Monitor Egg Production and Health: Keep an eye on your chickens’ egg production, feather quality, and overall health. If you notice a drop in egg production or other health issues, it may be worth adjusting the nutritional balance in your feed.
- Consider Fermenting Your Feed: Fermenting your homemade chicken feed can increase its nutritional value and reduce waste. Fermentation also makes the feed more digestible and may help improve your chickens’ gut health.
Conclusion
Making your own organic chicken feed can save you money while providing a nutritious and healthy diet for your flock. By using simple, organic ingredients, you can ensure your chickens are getting the right nutrients without the added cost of commercial feed. With a bit of planning and a commitment to using quality ingredients, you can take control of your chickens’ nutrition and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what they’re eating. Happy chicken-keeping and happy savings!
