what do u feed chickens

[whirlwindschicks]

I have been feeding my chickens 9 grain and cracked wheat plus kitchen scraps? Is this enough nutrition for them? I get my feed from a local grainry

 

[AngelzFyre]

It all depends on what breed you have, what ages they are, what your intent on use is for the most part.
If for eggs only, a good balanced laying crumble/pellet is needed or Flock Raiser which has a bit higher protein. You need oyster shell available at all times for calcium needs and also grit.
If chicks, you need a starter crumble and then they can be moved to Flock Raiser until 18 weeks when they'll need either the layer feed or adding the oyster shell.

If yours are up in a coop/run daily and don't free range then they'll need a balanced feed plus the scratch you put out and kitchen scraps.

Some breeds do better with higher protein levels and there are many, many threads on here about what feeds people use and what works well for them.


Your feed store/grainery should be able to help you a lot too.

 

[mutantroosta]

just wheat, layers mash, baked eggshells and some dogfood (the sausages in the plastic) and food scraps and gardening bugs and anything they can find in the quarter acre town section.. usually alot of worms and slaters (woodlice)

 

[whirlwindschicks]

They have a coop and an outside pen with dirt peoples and grass they get everybug my children find and also eggshells and kitchen scraps! I have numerous breeds of chickens (my lil sist:/er 13 yrs ) thinks she needs one or two of every kind she has ever come across my oldest are 6 months the youngest about 4 months! Thanks for all the help

 

[Arielle]

My girls free range. A popular spot is the back yard with grass and clover, the compost/manure heap, and out to the horse paddocks, into the woods, etc. THey come back with crops full. Commercial feed is always available. But scrounging is the preferred source. In their opinion.

IMO, I think commercial feeds lack greens and animal protein. A little protein goes a long way to balance the amino acids ( proteins) in the diet. And the grasses and clover is a good source of greens almost year round.

"Scraps" are beneficial. They can supply fresh vitamins and minerals. And busy time for the mental health of the birds.

Keep the diet balanced by looking at all the feed the birds eat in a week. GL