Raising chickens can be such a rewarding experience, but knowing what to feed them isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re out of chicken feed or simply exploring healthier, natural alternatives, it’s important to provide a diet that keeps your hens strong, happy, and laying delicious eggs.
If you’ve been wondering, “What can I feed chickens?”, this guide is here to answer all your questions. From grains and forage to creative substitutes, we’ll explore the essentials of feeding your feathered friends. By the end, you’ll have plenty of practical ideas to keep your flock thriving.
Should You Feed Chickens Grain?
Grains are a staple in a chicken’s diet, and for good reason. They’re highly nutritious, affordable, and easy to store. Common grains like corn, oats, barley, and wheat provide chickens with important carbohydrates for energy. Plus, many commercial feeds are grain-based because they offer an excellent balance of nutrients for egg production and growth.
However, while grains are a key component of their diet, it’s best to mix these with other food sources to provide variety. Relying solely on grains can lead to imbalance, as chickens also need protein, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy.
Can Chickens Live Without Commercial Feed?
Yes, chickens can absolutely live without commercial feed—as long as you ensure they get a diverse, balanced diet. Many homesteaders and backyard chicken owners opt out of buying commercial feed for budget or sustainability reasons.
Instead, they turn to natural options like kitchen scraps, whole grains, and forage from the yard or garden. The key here is balance. Chickens need a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and essential nutrients to stay healthy. Without commercial feed, it’s your job to ensure they get enough variety to meet their needs.
What does this look like in practice? It might mean offering cooked rice, garden greens, or protein from worms or insects alongside grains. If planned thoughtfully, natural diets can be just as nourishing.
What Can I Feed Chickens?
There are plenty of foods chickens can enjoy that are both healthy and practical. Here are some of the best options to include in their diet:
1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Chickens love fresh produce—not to mention, it’s a great way to cut down on food waste in your kitchen! Offer treats like chopped lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, apples (without seeds), pumpkin, or berries on occasion.
2. Grains
Whole grains like cracked corn, wheat, oats, and millet are great energy sources for chickens. You can feed them grains raw or cooked, either as a treat mixed into their diet or as a constant supply in feeders.
3. Protein Sources
Protein is essential for growth and egg production. Give them access to mealworms, dried insects, or even cooked eggs (scrambled with no seasonings). Additionally, if you allow your flock to roam, they’ll naturally forage for bugs and grubs.
4. Forage
Allow chickens to graze on grass, weeds, and clover in your yard. Not only is this sustainable and free, but the variety helps round out their diet. Chickens also enjoy scratching through soil to find treasures like worms.
5. Kitchen Scraps
Moderation is key, but many table scraps are perfectly chicken-friendly. They’ll happily snack on cooked rice, pasta, bread, or even leftovers like cooked vegetables. Just avoid feeding them overly salty, sugary, or processed foods.
Foods to Avoid
While chickens are far from picky, not everything is safe for them. Never feed your flock chocolate, avocado, citrus, onion, raw potatoes, or moldy food. It’s also important to avoid anything heavily seasoned or fried.
Why Won’t My Chickens Eat?
If you’ve noticed your chickens refusing to eat, it may be time to investigate. Chickens are creatures of habit, so any disruptions to routine can throw them off. Here are some common reasons your flock might lose their appetite and how to fix them.
- Stress: Changes in their environment—like introducing new chickens or a new coop—can cause stress and disrupt their eating habits. Try to minimize stressors and provide plenty of space.
- Illness or Parasites: If your chickens are lethargic, losing feathers, or seem unwell, contact a vet. Parasites or illness can cause appetite loss.
- Poor Feed Quality: If feed gets moldy or stale, chickens may refuse to eat it. Always store food in airtight containers away from moisture.
- Boredom: Believe it or not, chickens can get bored! Add variety to their meals or sprinkle small treats to encourage foraging behavior.
Out of Chicken Feed? Here’s What to Feed Instead
Running out of chicken feed doesn’t have to mean a rushed trip to the store. There are plenty of household items and natural alternatives that can keep your chickens fed until you restock.
- Scrambled eggs (yes, they can eat eggs!)
- Plain cooked rice or pasta
- Fresh produce like lettuce, spinach, carrots, or apple slices
- Whole grains like oats, wheat, or barley
- Leftover bread, as long as it’s not moldy
Remember, these options work as short-term solutions and should be supplemented with protein and greens for balance.
Wrapping Up
Feeding your chickens doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you opt for commercial feed or prefer natural alternatives, the key is to ensure variety, balance, and quality in their diet. With the tips in this guide, you’re well-equipped to keep your flock happy, healthy, and laying plenty of eggs.
Now that you know what can I feed chickens, it’s time to put that knowledge to good use. Got questions or creative feeding tips to add? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!