If you’re going to purchase a free range chicken feed, there are several factors you need to consider. These include the fact that the feed you purchase should be made from organic ingredients. In addition, it should be free of GMOs.
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Water is the cheapest food additive for chickens
When it comes to feeding your feathered friends, you don’t have to shell out big bucks for the latest and greatest in poultry food. In fact, you can save some serious coin by experimenting with your own home grown food. For instance, you might be lucky enough to be able to feed your hens a bowl of heirloom tomatoes, or a slew of greens from your own garden. You could even give your pets a taste of the real stuff if you’re feeling extra generous. Of course, you still have to feed your feathered crew a proper diet.
Luckily, there are several clever ways to get your bird’s feathers into a feather. The most obvious being a well stocked coop, but there are numerous other options, ranging from the rooster on the porch to the neophyte backyard farmer.
Vitamin E and oregano oil offer hens’ immune systems a boost
Oregano oil is a very nutritious addition to chicken feed. It can help to strengthen a hen’s immune system. If a hen has a weak immune system, she may be unable to leave the coop and produce eggs.
In addition to oregano, there are several other herbs that can be added to a chicken’s daily diet. For example, thyme is good for a chicken’s respiratory system.
Garlic also has strong immune boosting properties. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant and has antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. So, if a hen has an infection, garlic will help the immune system fight off the illness. Also, garlic helps a hen’s digestive system by deterring parasites and intestinal worms.
Echinacea is another herbal supplement that can be added to a chicken’s diet. Echinacea is a natural antibiotic that can combat fungal overgrowth. It can be used to treat respiratory infections, such as the common cold, as well as to treat infections in the reproductive tract.
Medicated feed shouldn’t be fed to egg-producing chickens
You probably already know that chicken feed is available in a variety of forms, from pellets to crumbles. Some are even organic. But if you are looking for a particular type, you’ll need to read the label.
The most obvious use for medicated feed is to prevent disease in chicks. Although there are some exceptions, it is a good idea to avoid using it on older birds. This is because it can negate a vaccination.
Other than preventing disease, it can also boost your bird’s health. It can provide vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants, which are all essential for healthy chickens. A vitamin B12 supplement, for example, lowers the chances of your laying hens developing a thiamine deficiency.
Another logical use for medicated feed is in the brooder. If you don’t have a clean and dry brooder, you may want to consider feeding your birds a coccidiosis-fighting supplement.
Hen Up is a totally organic, non-GMO, super simple chicken feed for urban retail
If you are raising chickens, you may have heard of Hen Up. They are a pet food company that developed a line of totally organic, non-GMO, and super simple chicken feed for urban retail.
Hen Up’s chicken food is made from USDA certified organic ingredients. It includes oats, barley, cranberries, and wild blueberries. The chickens also get a variety of vitamins and minerals.
There are four products on the market from Hen Up. All of them are selling well. You can find all of them on Chewy and Amazon.
Layer Pellets, Layer Mash, Scratch Grains, and Superfood Chicken Food all feature organic fruits and vegetables. They also feature recommended protein levels.
If you are raising free range chickens, you might not have access to everything that they need. For example, they might not receive enough calcium. Eggs have an enormous amount of calcium.
