“Road runner” chickens is a name used in parts of Africa, especially Zimbabwe, for hardy, free-range village chickens that roam and scavenge for much of their food. The best feed plan for them is simple: let them forage, then add a few low-cost supplements so they get enough protein, energy, and calcium. This guide covers how.
What Do Free-Range Chickens Eat on Their Own?
Scavenging chickens eat insects, termites, worms, seeds, green plants, and kitchen scraps. That gives them some protein and plenty of variety, but it is not always enough, especially in the dry season, when hens are laying, or when chicks are growing.
Good Supplements
- Grains: maize (corn), sorghum, millet, or wheat, offered in the evening so birds come home to roost.
- Bran: maize or wheat bran as a low-cost extra.
- Protein: sunflower or soybean cake or meal, dried insects, or small amounts of fish meal. Insects such as termites and mealworms are a natural fit.
- Calcium: crushed eggshell, oyster shell, or limestone grit, free choice, for strong shells in laying hens.
- Greens: chopped leaves, pumpkin leaves, and grass.
- Clean water: always available.
Sample Daily Plan for Adult Birds
- Morning: let birds out to forage, with fresh water.
- Late afternoon: a small handful of grain or a grain-and-bran mix per bird. A common rule of thumb is about a quarter to a half cup of feed total per bird per day, less if they forage well.
- Always leave a dish of oyster shell or crushed eggshell for layers.
Chicks need more protein than adults. A purchased chick starter is the safest choice for the first weeks. Adjust amounts to your birds’ body condition, season, and how much they find on their own.
Fermented and Soaked Feed
Soaking or fermenting grain makes it easier to digest and can cut waste. Cover feed with water for one to two days, stir daily, and discard anything that smells rotten. Read more in our guide to soaking chicken feed.
What to Avoid
- Moldy grain, which can carry toxins.
- Raw or undercooked dry beans, avocado skins and pits, and chocolate.
- Large amounts of salty or sugary scraps.
- Home remedies in drinking water that are unproven, such as charcoal, ash, or manure mixtures. They do not prevent Newcastle disease or avian flu. Vaccination, clean housing, and good biosecurity do. Talk to a local veterinarian or livestock extension officer about a vaccination plan.
Related Reading
See what chicken crumble is, pellets versus crumble, and feeding wheat to chickens.
Bottom Line
Road runner chickens do best on a mix of scavenging and a modest, balanced supplement of grain, protein, calcium, and clean water. Keep feed dry and mold-free, and ask a local vet about vaccinations to protect the flock.
