Making your own homemade chicken feed can be both rewarding and beneficial for your flock. Not only does it allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring that your chickens receive the best nutrition possible, but it can also save you money in the long run.
Understanding Chicken Nutrition
Before diving into recipes, it’s crucial to understand what your feathered friends need to thrive. Chickens require a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Essential Nutrients for Chickens
Proteins are vital for muscle development and egg production. Your chickens rely on high-quality protein sources like soybean meal, fish meal, and legumes to keep them healthy and productive.
Carbohydrates provide the energy chickens need for their daily activities. Common sources include grains like corn, wheat, and oats. These ingredients form the foundation of most homemade chicken feed recipes.
Fats contribute to energy and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Flaxseed and vegetable oils are excellent sources of healthy fats for your flock.
Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in your chickens’ metabolic functions. Key vitamins include A, D, and E, while important minerals are calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients ensure your chickens maintain optimal health and egg production.
Protein Requirements
The ideal protein content in chicken feed varies depending on the age and purpose of your birds:
- Layer hens need about 16-18% protein in their diet
- Broilers require higher levels, around 20-24% protein
- Chicks start with 20-24% protein, which gradually decreases as they grow
Balancing these nutrients is key to creating a well-rounded diet that keeps your flock healthy and productive.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Feed
Now that you understand the nutritional needs of your chickens, let’s explore the core components of a homemade chicken feed recipe.
Grains: The Foundation
Grains form the base of your homemade chicken feed. They provide essential carbohydrates and some protein. Here are some common grains to consider:
- Corn: High in calories and excellent for energy
- Wheat: Provides protein and fiber
- Oats: A good source of fiber and energy
- Barley: Adds bulk and is cost-effective
Protein Sources
To ensure your chickens get enough protein, include these ingredients:
- Soybean meal: A common plant-based protein source
- Fish meal: High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- Peas: Excellent plant protein with a good amino acid profile
Calcium Sources
Calcium is critical for laying hens to support eggshell strength. Consider adding:
- Oyster shells: Crushed oysters are a great source of calcium
- Limestone: A cheaper alternative to oyster shells
Note: You can also use their eggs, but make sure to rinse and dry them first. This is a good source of grit and calcium, but should not be their only source.
Vitamins & Mineral Supplements
To round out your homemade chicken feed, don’t forget to include:
- Commercial poultry vitamins: Often available in feed stores or online
- Natural sources: Consider offering greens like kale and dandelions for variety
When choosing ingredients for your homemade chicken feed, consider whether you want to use organic or conventional ingredients. While organic is often preferred, many conventional feed ingredients are perfectly safe.
It often comes down to personal preference and availability.
Always inspect your grains for mold or pests when purchasing, and store them in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
Homemade Chicken Feed Recipes
Now that you’re familiar with the essential ingredients, it’s time to craft your own homemade chicken feed recipe. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Basic Layer Feed Recipe
- 50% Corn
- 25% Wheat
- 15% Soybean Meal
- 5% Oyster Shell
- 5% Vitamin/Mineral Supplement
To prepare this recipe, carefully measure the ingredients, mix them thoroughly in a large container, and store the mixture in a cool, dry place.
Specialized Recipes for Layers & Broilers
Depending on whether you’re raising layers or broilers, you’ll need to adjust your recipe slightly.
For layers, ensure a higher calcium content to maintain eggshell quality. Aim for a protein content of about 16-18%:
- 48% Corn
- 24% Wheat
- 18% Soybean Meal
- 7% Oyster Shell
- 3% Vitamin/Mineral Supplement
For broilers, focus on higher protein levels (20-24%) to maximize growth:
- 40% Corn
- 30% Wheat
- 20% Fish Meal
- 5% Limestone
- 5% Vitamin/Mineral Supplement
Remember, these recipes are starting points. Feel free to adjust based on your local ingredient availability and your flock’s specific needs.
Our Current Favorite Homemade Feed Recipe
Here’s a straightforward recipe that’s loved by many homesteaders, originally we found this shared by Justin Rhodes. Since then, many homesteaders have used it:
- 30% Corn
- 30% Wheat
- 20% Peas
- 10% Oats
- 10% Fish Meal
- 2% Poultry Nutri-Balancer
- Free Choice: Kelp and Aragonite (for extra calcium)
Simply mix the ingredients and offer them whole to your flock. If you’re committed to organic, make sure to source non-GMO versions of each ingredient.
While some components, like Poultry Nutri-Balancer, may be challenging to source, it’s well worth it for your flock’s health. For calcium, aragonite is a popular choice, though crushed eggshells work in a pinch.
Supplementing Homemade Chicken Feed
While your homemade feed provides a solid nutritional base, consider offering some supplements to enhance your chickens’ diet:
- Grit: Essential for digestion, especially if your chickens free-range
- Probiotics: Support gut health and improve nutrient absorption
- Herbs: Can boost immune function and add variety to the diet
You can also incorporate kitchen scraps into your chickens’ diet. However, be cautious about what you offer. Safe options include most fruits and vegetables, while avoiding foods like avocado, chocolate, and raw beans.
Monitoring Chicken Health on Homemade Feed
To ensure your homemade feed is meeting your flock’s nutritional needs, keep an eye on these indicators:
- Overall appearance: Chickens should have bright eyes, smooth feathers, and active behavior
- Egg production and quality: Consistent laying and strong shells indicate good nutrition
- Weight: Regular weight checks can help you spot any issues early
If you notice any concerning changes in your flock’s health or behavior, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian. They can provide valuable insights and help you adjust your feed recipe if necessary.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.