What to feed chicken??

[ninamcclain93]

My neighbor recently has decided to raise chickens. He has offered to let me keep one in the coop for egg production as well. I am really considering taking him up on the offer. From the sounds of it, he wouldn't even care if I didn't do anything to help. But I would like to at least feed the hen. I read somewhere that I don't even have to give it the chicken feed - but just feed it bugs and table scraps. Is this allowed? If I do, what would happen? I am completely new to all of this. Thanks!

 

[pnptrapp]

There are differing veiws on this. some people will only feed table scraps and bugs and others feel that you should feed a layer crumble. I say if he will be feeding the hen with his in the coop just find some table scraps and bugs for treats. My girls are all let out to free range around the yard. We spread some layer crumble out once a day, and they get all of our veggie scraps that don't go into the compost pile. They especially love watermelon and potato peelings. I think mostly becuase those things attract a lot of bugs for them to eat with the treat. You can get mealworms at a store to feed, but I'm not sure how often or how many they should get. I know they are given as a treat, but I've never given them to my girls.

 

[galanie]

You only give them mealworms if you want them to fall insanely in love with you. And there is no such thing as too many mealworms. I had a chick I raised in the house until it was 3 months old (long story, not going there) and it had access to just about all the mealworms it wanted. Every day. Didn't hurt the little devil at all, in fact it grew like crazy.

 

[NewbieLewis]

I feed mine crumbles and table scraps I call it SLOPPING THE CHICKENS lol also scratch grains just to give them something to do mine are about 2 months old !! I found that giving them table scrapes and treats makes them a little more friendly...just make sure that they are getting the nutrition they need

 

[CorinneP]

I Feed Mine all a high grade laying pellet .. Cracked corn and anything out of my fridge .. certain things they don't have any interest in but so many things they do ! I Hate waste and to my disgust I am now a Meal worm farmer .. My Son (14 ) thought he could raise and sell them.. He ended up with a horrific allergic Reaction and had to be rushed to the ER . So Now I shiver brrr .. take care of them.. So needless to say mine also get meal worms.. For Great fun feed them cooked Spaghetti or french green beans some times ..