Chickens require a balanced diet in order to stay healthy and produce ample eggs, while providing them with inappropriate food can cause illness or diminish their egg production.
Commercial feeds are designed to meet the nutritional needs of different ages of birds, providing protein for energy, vitamins to promote proper development and minerals that strengthen shells. Treats should only be offered sparingly as they could dilute vital nutrients found in complete diet rations.
Contents
Pellets
Pellets are basically the same feed as mash, baked into an oblong shape for easier management and reduced waste. Pellets may be the ideal option for chickens of all ages as their compact shape encourages consumption without creating much mess and waste.
Pelleting transforms raw ingredients into hard and durable pellets that can withstand rough handling without suffering damage, while simultaneously extracting heat and moisture that would otherwise erode vitamins over time.
Pellets are generally composed of grains, protein and supplements such as calcium for healthy eggshell formation and bone health. Fats and oils may also be added because chickens require them for absorption of certain vitamins as well as energy; such sources could include rendered pig and beef fat, linseed oil sunflower oil or palm oil.
Crumbles
No matter which form you choose for chicken feed, both varieties provide a comprehensive combination of grains, proteins and other nutrients to meet the nutritional needs of your flock. The difference lies in manufacturing methods as well as their texture preferences.
Pellets are hard, uniform pellets with uniform shapes that tend to be cheaper than crumble. Due to their consistent nutrition delivery over time and lower waste volume, pellets make an excellent choice for flock owners who seek consistency in each bite and produce less mess or waste.
Crumble feed consists of whole pellets that have been cracked or crushed into a coarser texture, providing the ideal transition feed from mash for chicks just starting to eat to layer pellets as they reach egg-producing maturity. Furthermore, crumble contains shell grit which promotes digestion while increasing calcium levels for stronger shell strength in eggshells; making crumble appropriate for all age levels of laying hens.
Mash
Chickens love potatoes! Not only can they provide essential carbohydrates and starches for energy production, they’re also rich in vitamin C which provides a vital source of stress relief as well as supporting immunity systems. Finally, mashed potato provides fibre needed for digesting their food properly and eliminating waste products.
Chicken feed comes in various forms, from chick mash – similar to potting soil – designed for young chicks to crumble and layer pellets designed for older hens. Each type is tailored specifically for its intended age group; chick mash contains more protein to promote growth while layer pellets offer additional calcium for strong eggshells.
Some owners supplement their chicken’s diet with snacks, fruits, vegetables, garden scraps, scratch mealworms or table scraps; however this should be limited as this could dilute the complete nutrition provided in layer feed. Raw beans in particular should not be fed raw to chickens as these contain an offending chemical known as hemaglutin which is toxic; cooking destroys this chemical.
Supplements
There are various chicken supplements and herbs that can help your flock remain healthy. By offering small doses daily or weekly in their feed or water, these remedies can support immunity, digestion, reduce parasites and much more.
Examples of supplements for poultry feed include grit, calcium and probiotics. Molasses is also added as it provides important minerals and carbohydrates necessary for chickens’ wellbeing.
Grit is essential to helping your chicken’s gizzard break down its food. You can purchase this essential item at most feed stores or save eggshells and crush them yourself for your flock.
Sea kelp has become an increasingly popular supplement for poultry due to its ability to strengthen immunity, increase meat yield in meat birds and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, sea kelp serves as a natural dewormer as well as soil enhancer.
