Birds fed entirely on table scraps?

[Bradley]

I'm wondering if anyone has experience keeping layers fed exclusively on table/food scraps. I'm aware that getting enough protein and calcium can be an issue, but I also know that chickens LOVE to eat meat (raw and cooked, including chicken) and dairy products.

If you feed your hens nothing but scraps, what volume of scraps do you feed to how many chickens? How carefully do you monitor what you give them? Do you make an effort to feed a lot of protein/calcium?

What about egg shells? Can they serve as a source of calcium? Do they need to be ground?

If you are aware of any scraps that absolutely must not be in the food, that would be great, as well. I know they don't like onions or citrus, but I have found that they eat around those things so it doesn't seem that they are dangerous if they accidentally get in the mix.

Thanks so much! I am getting some hens soon and trying to figure out a way to keep them without buying feed.

 

[ranchhand]

Hi Bradley,

!

I haven't ever tried to feed just scraps and leftovers because we don't produce enough to feed them. I do give them just about everything from the kitchen. The only things I don't give are raw onions, raw potatoes or their skins, and citrus. I don't know for a fact that citrus is bad, only that the wild birds like it even better.

Egg shells are fine and good. Some people dry and crush them - I toss them in the chicken bucket and smash them with a wooden spoon when I'm headed out to feed. Never had any egg eaters, so I don't think not processing tham makes any difference.

I DO prefer to feed chick starter followed by layer feed at 18 weeks. It is more balanced and a reliable diet when supplemented by scraps. Chicken feed is not terribly expensive. Chickens need to "free feed", i.e. have food available at all times, just like fresh water.

Let us know when you get your hens, take lots of pics!

 

[cmom]

Hi Bradley. Just wanted to say

I have never fed my birds only table scraps. They do get them but their main feed is Layer feed. Also I give them some scratch grains. I give mine almost everything.

Here is the link to BYC Chicken Treat Chart.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[Bradley]

Oh, great! Thanks for that list and your experience. Does anyone know why fatty foods are not good? Or how much salt is too much salt?