To keep your chicken healthy, you should choose the right feed for them. Some chicken feeds are medicated to protect them from disease. Look for non-GMO, organic, and Organic/non-soybean meal products. Some are made from seashells. They’re high in calcium and add additional nutrients to your chicken’s diet.
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Organic
Organic chicken feed contains no inorganic ingredients and is produced only from organically grown plants. Organic chicken feed cannot contain fish meal or soy, which are known to contain high levels of phytoestrogens. Because chickens are omnivores, the food they eat must also be organic. If your chicken is not fed properly, it will not grow properly.
While organic chicken feed is more expensive than commercial feed, it is much healthier for your chickens. It contains all of the necessary nutrients for all stages of growth. However, it is labor-intensive and must be manufactured by a farmer who has received organic certification.
Non-GMO
If you want to raise chickens without the risk of GMO contamination, one option is to raise your chickens naturally and use Non-GMO Project Verified chicken feed. If you have a backyard flock, you can use Scratch and Peck Feeds, which are designed for backyard chickens. These pellets are a healthy alternative to conventional feed, and you can feel good knowing that they are not fed any GMO ingredients.
You may be wondering why you should feed your chickens non-GMO feed. While they may look the same, GMO chickens have undergone genetic manipulation to improve their traits. The process is called transgenic, and involves transferring one gene from one organism to another. While you can’t identify GMO chicken feed by looking for its certification, it’s always a good idea to avoid it.
Non-GMO corn
Non-GMO corn is a great option for chicken feed. It has the same nutritional benefits as whole corn, and some varieties are preferred by chickens. But corn is mostly starch, and chickens need between 18 and 24 percent protein. Low-protein diets can adversely affect feed efficiency and egg weight.
If you’re wondering if Non-GMO corn is good for chickens, look for feed that is Non-GMO Project Verified. These corn products are made with non-GMO ingredients, including soy. Corn with high levels of protein is ideal for growing chicks, and it also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Non-GMO soybean meal
Soybean meal is not a good choice for chicken feed, and many small poultry producers are beginning to avoid it because of health concerns. This is because soybeans are a genetically modified organism, and most soy grown in the United States is resistant to the herbicide Roundup. In addition, most soy is not grown locally. Instead, it is grown in the Midwest and shipped to the Pacific Northwest by rail.
A company called Prairie’s Choice makes chicken feed that is GMO-free and enriched with vitamins and minerals. This non-GMO feed contains ground corn, non-GMO soybean meal, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and vitamin supplements. This product is not intended for egg production, but is a great option for growing young chicks.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good alternative to traditional poultry feed. This whole grain source contains all the essential nutrients and dietary elements that a flock needs to be healthy. Because it’s easily digestible, it provides all the nutritional benefits of oatmeal, while also creating a more varied diet for the birds. In addition, oatmeal provides chickens with zinc, which is needed for healthy, strong eggs.
In addition to the nutritional value of oatmeal, it is easy to add other ingredients to make it even more attractive. For example, you can mix in raisins, mealworms, chopped vegetables, and fresh or dried herbs. A little bit of cayenne pepper can also spice up your chickens’ oatmeal.
Shell grit
Shell grit is a great source of calcium for chickens. They require calcium in their diet in order to maintain the shape of their bones. This is mostly found in the shell of eggs, but it is important to provide them with additional calcium sources as well. Oyster shell grit is an inexpensive and readily available source of calcium. It can be mixed with flint grit to provide your chickens with the calcium they need.
Shell grit can be purchased from feed stores. It is cheap and lasts a long time. Adding oyster shell to your chicken feed is important for the health of your flock. It also contributes to maximum egg production.
