As omnivores, chickens enjoy eating a wide range of foods. To ensure they get adequate vitamins and minerals in their feed, chickens should receive prepared feed with balanced vitamin and mineral ratios that includes crushed oyster shell for egg production and grit for digestion.
Many people supplement commercial feed with kitchen scraps and yard waste, which often limits their poultry’s nutrition.
Contents
Protein
Chickens need between 12-20 % protein for optimal health and egg production, including building new feathers and producing quality eggs. Hens also require protein for their feather growth.
Protein in a complete feed helps hens meet their requirements. A quality, complete layer feed should contain approximately 15% protein in either mash, pellet or crumble form and also include calcium for healthy bone development and extra vitamin D to promote stronger eggshells.
Kitchen scraps such as leftover vegetables, fruit peels and cooked grains can add essential nutrition to your flock’s diet. Even more nutritious options exist such as cabbage or potato peels (though use in moderation). You may be lucky enough to locate a brewery offering donated spent brewer’s grains that contain high levels of protein – even better!
Calcium
Chickens need calcium in abundance for developing strong eggshells, and Vitamin D plays a critical role in this regard – it regulates plasma calcium levels, and determines whether calcium from bones is released to form eggshells or taken up into their bloodstream where it will then be utilized as needed.
Feed your chickens high-quality layer feed from an early age for maximum calcium production. Look for one specifically labeled for layer hens at least 20(ish) weeks old that contains sufficient proteins, vitamins and minerals that support egg production. In addition, supplement their feed periodically with ground oyster shell or fine granular limestone.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chicken feed should contain vitamins, minerals and proteins as well as being free from contaminants to ensure optimal health in their flocks. Achieve this is easier by offering prepared feed with balanced formula than feeding scratch mix that encourages selective eating behavior and limits nutrient absorption.
Premium feed for laying hens contains 16-18% protein and calcium to promote strong eggshells. A diet high in flax seed will increase omega-3 content in their eggs while providing balance among grains, vegetables, legumes and herbs is often necessary.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
An optimal ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake is essential for poultry health, performance, egg quality, and immune function [17]. Fish oil has long been used as a source of omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids in layer feed; unfortunately it also contains significant quantities of omega-6 PUFAs which lead to elevated levels of n-6 fatty acids in eggs.
Chickens require protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients in their diet to produce optimal egg production. A well-formulated chicken feed typically includes all these components in balance – such as crushed oyster shell and grit for calcium supplementation as well as dried mealworms to provide extra protein to their birds.
Hens raised for meat tend to consume high-protein feed to encourage faster growth prior to butchering; these feeds, known as broiler rations, typically contain 18-20% protein content.
Herbs
Herbs are an integral component of healthy chicken feed. Packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, herbs are known to boost immunity while increasing egg production – all while being easy to grow!
Herbal remedies like calendula and marigold help your eggs achieve a vibrant orange hue, as well as provide iron and calcium. Parsley acts as a natural laying stimulant and is packed with vitamin C; basil provides immunity-enhancing support and is great for humid climates.
Purple deadnettle is an effective herb to increase eggshell strength, providing important vitamins and nutrients. Peppermint provides natural cooling effects and is known to stimulate feed intake as well as prevent molting. Garlic acts as an effective defense against any diseases which threaten your flock.
