Maintaining healthy flocks requires finding feed options that are both healthy and non-toxic, which may prove challenging at first. But there are plenty of viable solutions out there!
An appropriate diet consisting of premium laying mash or pellet, along with fruits, vegetables and grains can ensure that your chickens remain happy and healthy.
Contents
Soy
Soy is often used in chicken feed, even though it’s not naturally found in their diets. Unfortunately, soy contains toxins which interfere with protein digestion processes and is therefore considered controversial ingredient.
Soybeans are among the world’s most heavily modified crops, with an estimated 80 percent undergoing genetic modification through various means. This has alarmed many who worry that genetically-modified foods might be dangerous or even hazardous for human consumption.
Soybeans are an integral component of livestock diets and also make an appearance in human meals such as edamame, soy milk, tofu and fermented products like miso and tempeh.
Soy protein is a crucial source of nourishment for vegetarians and vegans, and an ideal option for people with food allergies. Soya also boasts omega-3 fatty acids which may reduce heart risks while simultaneously decreasing blood pressure levels; additionally it can boost bone health as well as increase muscle mass and strength.
Corn
Soybean meal is used in more than 30% of poultry feed markets worldwide, making it one of the most widely-used ingredients. Unfortunately, soy has become increasingly problematic from a health standpoint and this awareness is spreading among consumers and industry experts.
Small scale poultry producers are increasingly opting for soy-free chicken feed as it offers several advantages over its alternatives. They cite this change for several reasons.
These individuals want to steer clear of feeding their chickens soy, as this could potentially trigger allergic reactions in some individuals and cause their eggs or meat production quality to decrease as hormone levels increase and production becomes compromised.
They should avoid feeding their birds diets that contain soy as this commodity crop has been modified genetically, not to mention supporting an industry which does not protect both wildlife and the environment properly.
Peas
Peas are an ideal source of protein for laying hens, offering 16 percent in their diet as well as being rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber – ideal for baby chickens!
Feed your laying hens fresh or frozen peas instead of dried for easier digestion and an improved taste! They won’t just benefit your birds but taste much better too!
Pea pod seeds contain lectins, sugar-binding proteins that plants use to protect themselves against insects and fungus. Unfortunately, these same proteins can cause digestive problems resulting in wetter than usual feces.
Barley
Barley can also be added to their diet, although it might not be as easily digested by them as corn is.
If you plan on feeding your chicks barley, make sure they only consume small doses at a time for easier absorption. This way, they won’t become overwhelmed and struggle to digest it all at once.
Barley contains high levels of fiber, making digestion challenging for them and taking more effort than necessary to break it down into digestible pieces. As a result, they’ll spend lots of time chewing up this grain!
If you plan on raising an oviparous breed specifically for egg production, barley should be avoided as much as possible – instead focusing on providing options that are less harmful.
