Making Homemade Chicken Feed: The Comprehensive Guide

Do you love your chickens? Providing the best nutrition for our birds is one of the best ways to show it. You can ensure this by making homemade chicken feed.

Not only does this give us complete control over the ingredients, but it also allows us to tailor the feed to our chickens’ specific needs. This guide will delve into the intricacies of preparing your feed, ensuring that your flock receives a balanced and nutritious diet.

Key Ingredients for a Balanced Chicken Feed

When crafting a homemade feed, it’s essential to include a mix of ingredients that offer the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Grains: The primary energy source for chickens. Common options include corn, wheat, barley, and oats.
Proteins: Crucial for growth and egg production. Think soybean meal, fish meal, and lentils.
Grit: Helps chickens digest food in their gizzard. Crushed oyster shells or crushed eggshells can be used.
Vitamins & Minerals: Essential for overall health. Leafy greens, carrots, and seaweed are great sources.
Supplements: Calcium and grit are vital, especially for layers.

Steps to Prepare Your Own Chicken Feed

Determine the Needs of Your Flock. What are their needs at various stages?

Show Me Around The Barnyard

Chick Stage (0-6 weeks)

Chicks are rapidly growing during this stage, and their dietary needs are geared toward supporting this growth.

- - Protein: Chicks require a high protein intake, typically around 18-20% of their diet. This supports their rapid muscle and overall body development. Feed formulated for chicks, known as “starter feed,” usually meets this protein requirement.
  - Energy: Chicks are active and hence need energy. Grains like corn and wheat are excellent sources.
  - Amino Acids: Methionine and lysine are crucial amino acids at this stage.
  - Vitamins & Minerals: Essential vitamins include A, D, E, and K, while crucial minerals are calcium and phosphorus. However, calcium should be in moderation as excessive amounts can damage their kidneys.
  - Grit: Since chicks don’t eat large seeds or grains, they generally don’t need grit at this stage.

Pullet Stage (6-20 weeks)

Pullets are young hens that haven’t started laying eggs yet. Their diet transitions from rapid growth support to preparing them for egg production.

- - Protein: The protein requirement decreases slightly to around 14-16% during this stage. This is because they are not growing as rapidly.
  - Energy: Consistent with the chick stage, grains continue to provide the energy they need, but portion control becomes vital to avoid obesity.
  - Amino Acids: Continued supply of methionine and lysine remains essential.
  - Vitamins & Minerals: Along with the vitamins mentioned for chicks, pullets need an increasing amount of calcium to prepare for egg-laying, but not as much as laying hens.
  - Grit: As their diet begins to include larger grains and seeds, introducing grit can be beneficial.

Layer Age (20 weeks onwards)

Once hens start laying eggs, their nutritional focus shifts toward supporting egg production.

Protein: Layers typically require a protein content of around 16-18% in their diet to support egg production.
Energy: Energy requirements remain relatively stable, with grains being the primary source.
Amino Acids: Methionine, in particular, becomes vital for egg production.
Vitamins & Minerals: Calcium is crucial at this stage, with layers needing a significant amount to produce eggshells. Phosphorus remains essential, and the right balance between calcium and phosphorus is critical.
Grit: With a mature digestive system and diverse diet, grit becomes vital to a layer’s diet, especially oyster shell for calcium.

Source Quality Ingredients: Always choose organic, non-GMO grains and proteins. This ensures the feed is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Where can grains be sourced? I’m glad you asked…

1. Local Feed Mills

Advantages: These establishments often have a variety of grains available in bulk. They might also offer custom mixing services, allowing you to specify the blend of grains you want.
Considerations: Ensure the grains are fresh and free from mold or contaminants.

2. Agricultural Cooperatives

Advantages: Cooperatives are organizations where farmers collaborate to produce and sell their products. By purchasing from them, you get fresh grains and support local farmers.
Considerations: Availability might vary based on the season and regional production.

3. Farmers’ Markets

Advantages: Farmers’ markets are excellent places to source fresh, locally grown grains. You can also interact directly with farmers, asking about their farming practices and ensuring you get non-GMO or organic grains if desired.
Considerations: The variety might be limited, and prices can be slightly higher due to the premium nature of the products.

4. Online Retailers

Advantages: Websites like Amazon, Alibaba, or specialized agricultural supply sites offer grains in various quantities. This method is convenient and offers a wide variety.
Considerations: Check the reviews and ratings to ensure the quality of the grains. Consider shipping costs and times, especially for bulk orders.

5. Bulk Food Stores

Advantages: Some stores that sell food in bulk also offer grains suitable for chicken feed. They might provide both organic and conventional options.
Considerations: Ensure the grains are meant for animal consumption and haven’t been treated or processed in ways that could be harmful to chickens.

6. Directly from Farms

Advantages: If you live in a rural area or near farmlands, you might be able to buy grains directly from farmers. This method ensures freshness and might offer cost savings.
Considerations: Establish a good relationship with the farmer for consistent supply. Ensure they follow safe and sustainable farming practices.

7. Grain Elevators

Advantages: These facilities store grains and might sell them to individual buyers.
Considerations: They typically deal in large quantities, so it might be more suitable for those with larger flocks or if you’re looking to buy in bulk and store.

8. Specialty Health or Organic Stores

Advantages: Such stores often carry organic grains, ensuring that you’re providing a pesticide-free diet to your chickens.
Considerations: Prices might be higher due to the organic label.

When sourcing grains for homemade chicken feed, it’s vital to prioritize quality. Fresh, uncontaminated grains will ensure your chickens receive the best nutrition, promoting their health and productivity. Always store grains in a cool, dry place to preserve their freshness.

Mix the Ingredients: Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a large drum or container. Maintain consistency in the feed.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Once prepared, store the feed in airtight containers to keep it fresh and free from pests.

Benefits of Homemade Chicken Feed

Cost-Effective: Preparing your own feed can be more economical than buying commercial feeds over time.
Tailored Nutrition: Customize the feed to suit the specific needs of your flock.
No Fillers or Additives: Keep your chickens’ diet natural and free from unnecessary chemicals.

Potential Pitfalls and Solutions

While homemade feed offers numerous advantages, there are potential pitfalls to be aware of:

Nutritional Imbalances: It’s easy to miss out on essential nutrients. Always consult poultry nutrition guides or experts when crafting your mix.
Storage Issues: Improper storage can lead to mold growth. Always store feed in a cool, dry place and regularly inspect for any signs of contamination.

And For Dessert

Making homemade chicken feed is a fulfilling venture that offers numerous benefits. From cost savings to tailor-made nutrition, the advantages are undeniable. However, it’s crucial to approach this task with thorough research and attention to detail. By sourcing the best ingredients and understanding the specific needs of your flock, you can provide them with a diet that promotes their overall health and well-being.

As always, thanks for reading my post. I certainly appreciate it and always enjoy your comments. Take care.

Dave

Chickenmethod.com