What To Feed Chickens
Raising chickens is a fulfilling hobby that rewards you with fresh eggs, meat, and companionship. However, one significant challenge many chicken owners face is the rising cost of chicken feed. Understanding what to feed chickens without overspending is key to maintaining both a healthy flock and a balanced budget.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 practical and creative strategies to reduce your chicken feed expenses. These tips ensure your flock receives a nutritious, well-rounded diet without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry keeper or new to backyard chickens, these insights will help optimize your feed practices for happy hens and happy wallets.
What To Feed Chickens On A Homestead
1. Grow your own feed
Growing your own feed is an economical and sustainable way to nourish your chickens. Start by planting easy-to-grow greens like clover, alfalfa, and comfrey in your yard. These plants regenerate quickly, providing a steady supply of fresh forage for your flock.
You can also cultivate grains such as corn, wheat, and barley. These crops offer dual benefits—seeds for feed and stalks for forage. Sunflowers are another excellent option as both seeds and leaves are enjoyed by chickens. By utilizing your garden or a small plot of land, you can significantly cut feed costs while diversifying your chickens’ diet.
2. Supplement with table scraps
Table scraps are a win-win solution—they reduce household waste and provide your flock with variety. Chickens love leftovers like cooked rice, vegetables, fruits, and stale bread. These items offer valuable nutrients and keep their meals interesting.
However, not all scraps are safe. Avoid feeding moldy or spoiled food, raw potato peels, and anything overly salty or sugary. By carefully selecting scraps, you can supplement your chickens’ feed without compromising their health.
3. Purchase feed in bulk
Buying feed in large quantities is one of the easiest ways to save money. Feed suppliers and local farms often offer discounts for bulk purchases, allowing you to pay less per pound.
If storage space is a concern, consider pooling resources with other chicken keepers to buy and split feed. Joining a co-op or a local farming community can give you access to even greater discounts. Proper storage, such as using airtight containers, ensures your feed stays fresh and pest-free.
4. Use a recycled feeder
Instead of purchasing expensive feeders, repurpose items from your home to create cost-effective feeding solutions. Buckets, tubs, or even PVC pipes can be transformed into functional feeders with minimal effort.
Ensure your recycled feeder is sturdy, easy to clean, and positioned to minimize waste. Proper feeder placement can prevent spillage, saving money over time.
5. Avoid buying medicated feed
Medicated feed is more expensive than regular feed and may not be necessary for healthy chickens. Consult with a veterinarian or poultry expert to assess the health of your flock and determine whether medicated feed is required. If not, opt for regular, non-medicated feed to save money without compromising your chickens’ wellbeing.
6. Mix your own feed
For those willing to put in extra effort, mixing your own feed can be both economical and customizable. Purchase individual ingredients like grains, legumes, and mineral supplements in bulk. Tailor the mix to meet your chickens’ dietary needs for balanced nutrition.
Research feed recipes or consult a poultry nutritionist to create the perfect mix. While it may take time to get the proportions right, the savings and health benefits are well worth it.
7. Use alternative protein sources
Protein is vital for chickens, especially for egg production and growth. Instead of relying solely on commercial feed, supplement their protein intake with alternative sources like mealworms, crickets, or fish scraps.
Raising mealworms at home is a cost-effective solution, requiring minimal space and resources. Chickens also enjoy foraging for insects in the yard, which provides natural protein while reducing their reliance on store-bought feed.
8. Provide access to pasture
Allowing chickens to free-range is one of the most natural ways to cut feed costs. Chickens instinctively forage for grass, weeds, and insects, which make up a substantial portion of their diet in the wild.
Consider using a movable chicken tractor to rotate grazing areas, ensuring your flock always has access to fresh forage. Not only does this reduce feed dependency, but it also improves the health and happiness of your chickens.
9. Use a low-waste feeding method
Chickens are notorious for scratching and scattering feed, leading to waste. To combat this, invest in low-waste feeders designed to prevent spillage. PVC pipe feeders or gravity-fed systems are excellent choices.
By reducing waste, you maximize the value of every pound of feed purchased, saving money in the long term.
10. Practice proper storage
Proper feed storage is essential to prevent spoilage and pest infestations. Keep your feed in airtight, rodent-proof containers in a cool, dry place. Exposure to moisture or pests can quickly ruin feed, leading to unnecessary expenses.
Investing in quality storage solutions pays off by preserving the freshness and nutritional quality of your feed, ensuring your chickens get the most out of every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grain to feed chickens?
Chickens thrive on grains like corn, wheat, and barley. These grains are rich in carbohydrates and provide energy, making them excellent staples in a chicken’s diet.
Can chickens survive on scraps alone?
While table scraps can supplement their diet, chickens require a balanced mix of protein, grains, and vitamins to remain healthy. Scraps should be an addition, not the sole source of nutrition.
How can I reduce chicken feed costs?
Growing your own feed, using table scraps, and allowing access to pasture are some of the best ways to cut feed expenses. Buying in bulk and mixing your own feed also help reduce costs.
Is free-ranging safe for chickens?
Free-ranging offers natural nutrition but comes with risks like predators and exposure to disease. Supervised or enclosed free-ranging can balance these risks.
What protein sources are good for chickens?
Insects like mealworms, crickets, and fish scraps are excellent, affordable protein sources. Chickens also enjoy legumes and seeds as part of their protein intake.
Should I feed medicated feed to my chickens?
Medicated feed is unnecessary for healthy chickens unless recommended by a veterinarian. Opt for regular feed to save costs.
Understanding what to feed chickens while managing feed expenses is crucial for a thriving, cost-effective flock. By implementing these 10 strategies, you can significantly cut costs while ensuring your chickens receive the nutrition they need. From growing your own feed to adopting waste-reducing practices, these tips empower you to raise healthy, happy chickens without overspending.