What should I feed my chickens

[crazychickenlady5]

I feed my chickens layer feed, cracked corn and sometimes oyster shells. Is there anything else I should give them to make sure they are getting enough nutrients?

 

[chickenmama109]

You should give oyster shell all the time not just some times so that way they can get it when they need it mine love scratch grain has a treat good luck with your flock

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Howdy! If you give your chickens quality feed and oyster shell, there is no need for cracked corn as it is a filler. I only add cracked corn during the winter cold..... I personally feed my girls All Flock since I have chickens of all ages. I provide oyster shell and grit as well.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I feed a Non-Medicated Start & Grow 18% Protein with Oyster Shells and Poultry Grit, each in a separate container.
I give them a mixed bird seed as a treat scattered on the ground twice a day.
I also wet their feed occasionally as a treat, or if a hen isn't feeling well.
My 2 year old hens feather pick with a 16% Protein layers feed. GC

 

[crazychickenlady5]

Thanks! I'll start feeding oyster shells free choice, stop the cracked corn except for in the winter, look for chicken grit in my feed store, and see about the quality of our layer feed to make sure its a good kind. Occasionally we'll have some odd eggs layed, is this because they're lacking in vitamins or something else? We've had two soft shells, a few fairy eggs, some calcium deposit spots, and speckled eggs. At least that's what they seem to be according to this article https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/common-egg-quality-problems.65923/ what does it mean when these are laid? I don't completely understand what the article says about why they are laid.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I used to get quite a few soft shells, thin shelled eggs, and calcium deposits. Never got a fairy egg.
I was giving them way too much scratch grains scattered on the ground as a treat.
I cut the treats in half and rarely get a bad egg now.
Here is my latest dozen, . I still get an occasional thin shell, but that's the exception. These eggs are from 26 month old Golden Comets, who are not fed a Layers feed, but a Non-Medicated Start & Grow, with Oyster Shells separately.
Also make sure your feed is fresh and clean your feeder monthly in damp or humid weather. I keep the feed in my air conditioned house, stays fresh longer and won't mold. GC

 

[crazychickenlady5]

I don't actually have a feeder, we just feed them on the ground. Should I get one? We keep their feed in a big covered trash bin. It keeps it fresh and covered when it rains.

 

[GC-Raptor]

In my climate scattering feed on the ground won't work. I get rain or snow several times a month. If you're in an arid climate and you feed several times a day, that could work.
I keep a feeder with feed available 24/7, in their coop, no restrictions on a wholesome feed, with water available. . GC