When feeding chickens, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This includes providing them with high quality feed, unlimited access to clean water and treats/snacks that are both nutritious and healthy.
Commercial chicken feed comes in three forms: pellets, crumbles and mash. Pellets are the largest form, resembling compact cylinders; crumbles look smaller – like broken pellets; while mash is a finely ground form of poultry feed that has been loosely distributed throughout.
Contents
Mice
Mice are often observed in and around chicken coops, as they search for food, water and shelter.
When your chickens see a mouse in the coop, they may go after it and take a nibble. It is unlikely that they would harm or injure the mouse and risk making it sick.
However, if you notice your chickens regularly eating mice it could be indicative of a more persistent issue. In such cases, it may be wise to invest in an effective rodent deterrent.
Chickens are omnivores and will happily consume a variety of living creatures, such as seeds, grains, vegetables and weeds. Furthermore, they enjoy protein-rich morsels like bugs, worms and snails.
Potatoes
No matter if you have leftover potatoes from dinner or they’re a regular in your grocery store, potatoes make an excellent snack or supplementary food for chickens. Not only that, but potatoes also provide them with essential vitamins and minerals which aid in their wellbeing.
Potatoes are low in calories but still provide plenty of protein and fiber. Furthermore, they’re packed with vitamins like Vitamin B6 which helps boost your chickens metabolism for greater productivity and better overall health.
Chicken eggs are high in potassium and lack cholesterol, which helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases in chickens.
Unfortunately, potatoes belong to the nightshade family and contain solanine – a toxic chemical which can be hazardous for chickens. This substance is present in both its green parts as well as its eyes and skins, so you should avoid feeding your birds raw potatoes.
General Kitchen Scraps
Chicken keepers know that feeding kitchen scraps to their flock is an age-old practice that helps reduce food waste. In fact, some of these scraps may even provide your chickens with additional nutrition!
There are certain foods you should never feed your hens. These include anything with fat, salt or preservatives; plus anything that has gone rancid or spoiled.
Raw potato peels should be avoided as they contain solanine, which is toxic for chickens. Sweet potatoes do not contain this chemical and thus are safe for your birds to eat.
Some popular leftovers that you can feed your hens include bread, pasta and cooked meats. Be sure to cut these items into small pieces so your hens can easily digest them.
Eggshells
Eggshells, whether from free-range chickens or caged ones, provide an invaluable source of calcium. This is particularly important for hens whose diet does not supply them with sufficient amounts to support strong shells and healthy egg production.
As an alternative to oyster shells for providing your chickens with extra calcium, ground eggshells are a great option. This is a safe, sustainable way to supplement calcium without exposing your flock to potentially hazardous calcium pills that may cause kidney failure in certain individuals.
To give your chickens eggshells, wash, dry and grind them into a powder before feeding them. Place them on a plate next to their water bowl and encourage them to peck at it regularly – this will satisfy their natural desire for them to eat the shells while providing an accessible source of calcium.
