Will commercial feed be fine?

[Easter eggers]

Is commercial feed and nothing else besides water ok for chickens?

 

[gryeyes]

Yes. Commercial feed is formulated to be "complete" nutrition.

But chickens fed some treats now and then are happier, and if their treats include fresh greens, they'll lay better tasting eggs.

 

[abengel]

I had some problems with babies who were only on crumbles. When I added a supplement to the water , no more problems. I was so impressed I started giving it to the whole flock, and I can't believe how good they look. I use quick chick and avian 2000, both available from cackle hatchery.

 

[Medicine Man]

While commercial feed is formulated for "complete" nutrition, one may ask him/herself..."complete nutrition for what?"

For commercial chickens kept in commercial conditions, churning as many inferior eggs as possible during a brief life which ends in chicken soup.

Just some food for thought, you may or may not be interested in a healthy questioning of the system.

 

[7L Farm]

If your chickens are laying I would provide them with 17 % laying pellets & some greens. Also, some oyster shell in a seperate bowl. Fresh water at all times & your done.

 

[JodyJo]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

Here is the BYC treat chart...mine and everyones chickens I would imagine LOVE treats...grapes, apples, pumpkin, watermelon to name a few...

and you will get wonderful tasting eggs!

 

[jaketheeggman]

Yes sometimes that is all mine eat

 

[Medicine Man]

Quote:
Have you made any progress on resolving that feather-picking issue within your flock?

eta: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=532024

 

[vsmenagerie]

I am so excited about having chickens, partly because I HATE to waste food. With the chickens and the compost bin Im going to start, I think a lot more of our food will be used by something, instead of the trash can. I made salad the other night and wished I could have thrown the lettuce ends and stuff to some chickens.