DIY chicken feed is a popular option among backyard chicken keepers who want to ensure that their birds are getting the best nutrition possible.
While commercial feed is readily available, many people prefer to make their own chicken feed because it allows them to control the quality of the ingredients and adjust the recipe to meet the specific needs of their flock. In this blog, we’ll discuss the basics of DIY chicken feed and provide some tips on how to get started.
You may also want to read about the best chicken feed.
Diy chicken feed
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that chickens require a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Their nutritional needs vary depending on their age, breed, and other factors, so it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’re providing them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and productive.
One of the key benefits of DIY chicken feed is that it allows you to use high-quality, natural ingredients that are not always found in commercial feed. Some common ingredients include:
- Grains: Corn, wheat, barley, oats, and sorghum are all good sources of carbohydrates and energy for chickens.
- Protein: Soybean meal, fish meal, and dried peas are all good sources of protein for chickens.
- Fats: Vegetable oil, flaxseed, and sunflower seeds are all good sources of fat for chickens.
- Calcium: Crushed oyster shells, limestone, and eggshells are all good sources of calcium for chickens.
- Vitamins and minerals: Brewer’s yeast, kelp powder, and poultry vitamin supplements are all good sources of vitamins and minerals for chickens.
Feed recipe
When creating your own chicken feed recipe, it’s important to ensure that the ingredients are properly balanced to meet the nutritional needs of your birds. A good starting point is to aim for a feed that is around 16-18% protein, with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.
Here’s a simple recipe for DIY chicken feed that you can try:
- 8 cups of whole corn
- 8 cups of wheat
- 8 cups of oats
- 4 cups of soybean meal
- 2 cups of fish meal
- 1 cup of flaxseed
- 1 cup of sunflower seeds
- 1 cup of dried peas
- 1/2 cup of poultry vitamin supplement
- 1/4 cup of kelp powder
- 1/4 cup of crushed oyster shells
Mix all of the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. You can adjust the recipe as needed to meet the specific needs of your flock.
Feeding
When feeding your chickens, it’s important to provide them with access to clean, fresh water at all times. You can also supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens, carrots, and apples.
In addition to providing your birds with a nutritious diet, it’s important to keep their living area clean and free of pests and diseases. Regularly cleaning their coop and nesting boxes, as well as providing them with adequate space and ventilation, can help keep your birds healthy and productive.
In conclusion
DIY chicken feed is a great option for backyard chicken keepers who want to provide their birds with high-quality, natural nutrition. By using a mix of grains, proteins, fats, and minerals, you can create a balanced feed that meets the specific needs of your flock. Just be sure to do your research and consult with a veterinarian or poultry expert to ensure that you’re providing your birds with the best possible care. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can create a diet that will help your chickens thrive and produce healthy, delicious eggs for years to come.