The 6 SECRET Chicken Diet to Make Them Happy & Healthy!

Raising chickens is a rewarding experience, and I’ve found that their diet plays a crucial role in keeping them healthy. But what do chickens eat?

In the wild, chickens are natural foragers with a diverse diet. They love chasing after insects, pecking at seeds, nibbling on plants, and even snacking on fruits. While letting chickens free-range is ideal. I also must say commercial feed is the main part of their flock’s diet. Supplementing their meals with treats and adjusting for seasonal changes can make a huge difference.

Thinking about how to feed with the proper quantity? Let me guide you to a proper guide to feed chickens with ideal quantity!

6 Food Diet Guides for Chickens to Eat!

Raising chickens is a rewarding experience, and keeping them happy and healthy starts with a good diet! Over the years, I’ve learned a ton about what these feathered friends love to eat. Today, I’m here to share my knowledge with you.

1. Natural Diet in the Wild

What do chickens eat naturally? In their natural habitat, chickens are true omnivores with a diverse diet. I’ve observed that free-ranging chickens are constantly on the move, scratching and pecking at the ground in search of food.

Their natural diet primarily consists of:

• Insects and small invertebrates: Chickens love to chase down grasshoppers, crickets, worms, and even small lizards or mice if they can catch them. These protein-rich foods are essential for their growth and egg production.
• Seeds and grains: Wild chickens will eagerly consume various seeds they find, including those from grasses and weeds.
• Plants and vegetation: They’ll nibble on fresh grass, leaves, and other green vegetation, which provides vitamins and fiber.
• Fruits and berries: Any fallen fruit or low-hanging berries are fair game for chickens.

Related Reads:

• Raspberries for Chickens with 7 Amazing Health Benefits!
• Dried Cranberries for Chickens
• 4 Amazing Health Backups for Feeding Chickens Mulberries

This varied diet ensures they get a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients. When I’ve kept free-range chickens, I’ve noticed they seem healthiest and happiest when allowed to forage widely.

2. Commercial Chicken Feed

While natural foraging is ideal, most backyard chicken keepers, including myself, rely on commercial chicken feed as the foundation of their flock’s diet. Here’s what you need to know:

• Layer feed: For egg-laying hens, this is specially formulated with extra calcium and protein to support egg production. I typically use this for hens older than 18 weeks.
• Broiler feed: If you’re raising meat birds, they require a high-protein feed to support rapid growth.
• Chick starter feed: For baby chicks up to 8 weeks old, this has extra protein for healthy development.
• Grower feed: Used for pullets between 8-18 weeks, bridging the gap between starter and layer feed.

When choosing commercial feed, I always look for options without unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. Quality matters – I’ve found that better feed often results in healthier chickens and better-tasting eggs.

3. Supplementary Foods

To mimic their naturally varied diet and provide extra nutrients, I like to offer my chickens supplementary foods. Some great options include:

• Kitchen scraps: Most vegetables, fruits, and grains are excellent. My chickens go crazy for leafy greens, cucumber slices, and melon rinds.
• Mealworms: Mealworms are a protein-packed treat that my chickens absolutely love. I use them sparingly as a training tool or special treat.
• Sunflower seeds: Rich in healthy fats, these make a great occasional snack.
• Cooked eggs: It might seem odd, but scrambled or boiled eggs are a fantastic protein source for chickens.

Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of their diet to ensure they’re getting proper nutrition from their main feed.

4. Grit and Calcium Sources

Chickens don’t have teeth, so they rely on grit in their gizzards to grind up food. Free-range chickens usually find enough small pebbles naturally. For those confined to runs, I provide:

• Commercial grit: Available at most feed stores.
• Crushed oyster shells: This serves double duty as both grit and a calcium source.

For laying hens, additional calcium is crucial for strong eggshells. I always keep a separate dish of crushed oyster shells available for them to eat as needed.

5. Seasonal Variations in Diet

I’ve noticed that my chickens’ dietary needs and preferences change with the seasons. So, here’s what I follow –

• Spring/Summer: They tend to eat less as they have access to more bugs and plants. I reduce commercial feed slightly during this time.
• Fall: They often enjoy fallen fruits and seeds. It’s a great time to let them clean up the garden!
• Winter: With fewer natural food sources available, they rely more heavily on commercial feed. I increase their corn intake slightly for extra energy to keep warm.

6. Foods to Avoid: What should you not feed chickens?

While chickens can eat a wide variety of foods, there are some items you should never feed them. Let me list it for you!

• Avocado: The skin and pit contain a toxin called persin, which is fatal to chickens.
• Raw beans: These contain a compound that can be poisonous to chickens when uncooked.
• Chocolate: Just like with dogs, the theobromine in chocolate is toxic to chickens.
• Moldy or rotten food: This can make chickens seriously ill.
• Onions and garlic: While a tiny amount won’t hurt, these can affect the flavor of eggs. Also, it causes anemia if consumed in large quantities.
• Salty foods: Too much salt can lead to “wet droppings” and other health issues.

See the video to get help feeding chickens with the right diets.

6 Tips for Feeding Chickens

Factors like breed, climate, and activity level can affect individual needs. I always observe my flock and adjust accordingly.

However, let me guide you with my personal diet tips for chickens –

1. Consistency: Maintain a regular feeding schedule. Chickens thrive on routine.
2. Freshwater: Always provide clean, fresh water. Change it daily and clean waterers regularly.
3. Free choice: Allow chickens to eat as much as they need. They generally self-regulate well.
4. Separate feeders: Use different containers for feed, grit, and calcium supplements.
5. Elevate feeders: Keep feed off the ground to reduce waste and prevent contamination.
6. Monitor consumption: Keep an eye on how much your chickens eat to spot health issues early.

Quantity Chart for Feeding Chickens:

Check out an estimated quantity chart to feed your chickens.

Additional Guidelines

• Limit to 10% of the total diet. Offer about 1-2 tablespoons per chicken per day.
• Provide free choice. Adult chickens consume about 1 pound (450 g) per bird annually.
• For layers, offer free choice. They’ll take what they need.
• Increase feed by about 10% in winter for extra energy.
• If free-ranging, you may reduce commercial feed by 10-20%.

Note: Balanced poultry feeding contains the right quantities and proportions of nutrients to meet the needs of poultry. Before preparing feed, it’s essential to understand the bird’s requirements for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

FAQs

Want to know more about the chicken diet? Let me share more facts about their diets!

Q. What kind of eaters are chickens?

Chickens are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal-based foods

Q. Can chickens eat kitchen scraps?

Yes, in moderation! Chickens can enjoy chopped fruits and vegetables, leftover cooked grains (like rice or pasta), and occasional scrambled eggs. Avoid fatty scraps, processed foods, and anything with onions or garlic, which can be harmful.

Q. How much food is too much food for a chicken?

Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health problems in chickens. Generally, adult chickens only need about a cup of feed per day, with adjustments based on breed, age, and egg-laying activity.

Q. What food makes chickens grow faster?

For fast growth, chicks need chick starter feed packed with protein. Broiler chickens benefit from commercially prepared broiler feed formulated for rapid weight gain.

Q. What should I feed chickens daily?

A balanced chicken feed should be the base, supplemented with fresh water, grit for digestion, and some fruits/veggies for treats.

Q. What do chickens eat after starter feed?

Switch to grower feed (around 18% protein) for growing chickens. It provides nutrients for healthy development.

Q. What do chickens eat in the winter?

Maintain their regular feed, but add higher-calorie treats like scratch grains or corn for extra winter energy.

Final Word

By following these feeding guidelines and paying attention to your flock’s specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to raising healthy, well-fed chickens. Remember to provide a balanced diet, clean water, and appropriate supplements.

Always observe your chickens and adjust their diet as needed. With proper care and nutrition, your feathered friends will thrive and reward you with fresh eggs and delightful companionship.