Making homemade chicken feed is an economical and efficient way to ensure your flock’s wellbeing. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to support local family-owned businesses!
Homegrown chicken feed is a nutrient-rich diet your birds will love. All it takes is some creativity and some time.
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Fermented Foods
Fermented foods have long been a part of agriculture and now enjoy increasing recognition for the health benefits they can provide. Not only do they keep food fresh between harvest and consumption, but they also reduce spoilage and mold risks, plus contain beneficial live microorganisms called probiotics which may improve gut health.
Chicken keepers will find that fermenting their feed is an easy way to improve both nutrition and overall health of their flock. Not only does it promote better egg production, but it also strengthens their eggshells so they can better resist diseases like Salmonella and E.coli.
Prepare a daily ration as usual, then submerge it in water and leave for 24 to 48 hours. As bacteria ferments, they break down some of the plant toxins (phytic acid) that prevent birds from getting necessary nutrients. This process also increases weight gain while making nutrient absorption easier for birds.
Seed Sprouting
Sprouting seeds is an affordable and simple way to provide your chickens with a nutritious green treat all year long. Plus, they’re packed full of essential vitamins and minerals that keep your birds healthy.
Seed sprouting is a process in which seeds, spores or bacteria are submerged in water and rapidly grow into new plants. This differs from germination, where seeds or spores go through hydration and activation of enzymes to form an actual plant.
Start sprouting seeds by placing them in a jar full of warm, tepid water and leaving for 8-12 hours. Drain off the water, and place your jar somewhere that gets ample light – such as a windowsill or worktop away from direct sunlight.
Depending on the type of seeds you select, sprouting can take anywhere from three days to a few weeks. Once they begin sprouting, your jar should be filled with vibrant green sprouts!
Fresh Grass & Grit
To guarantee your chickens get the nutrition they require, feed them fresh grass and grit. The grit helps break down the grass they eat so it can be digested more easily.
If you have a large flock and an abundance of grass in your yard, you can substitute up to 20% of their feed with freshly clippings from the lawn. This provides them with an excellent source of calcium and protein.
Grit is especially essential for young chicks as it helps prevent diarrhea and vent pasting (droppings stuck to their vents). Furthermore, it aids in digestion of dry feed you are providing them.
Free Range Eggs
Free range eggs refer to eggs produced from hens that have access to outdoor space, often for part of the day. Studies have concluded that these eggs tend to be healthier than those produced by caged hens and also more nutrient-rich.
These eggs boast higher concentrations of beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids than traditional eggs, as well as having more calcium.
Eggs produced by free-range hens contain more magnesium than those from caged hens.
Pasture-raised hens enjoy regular access to grass and other vegetation in their outdoor space, making them happier and more comfortable. This is why many animal rights organizations consider them the ideal choice for hen welfare.
Homegrown feed is an economical and simple way to ensure your chickens get all of the essential nutrients they require. Grains provide carbohydrates and protein, while greens supply vitamins A and E as well as calcium.
