Best Chicken Feed

Taking care of chickens isn’t as straightforward as many people make it seem. It takes a lot of effort and time. The biggest problem, however, is getting the best chicken feed.

The ideal feed for your chicken will help them grow faster than if you left them to feed on scraps. Most people think it is okay to let their chicken feed on leftovers instead of nutritious chicken feed. Which is wrong.

But selecting suitable chicken feed requires a lot of research. We fully recognize this, which is why we have done the hard work and rounded up the best chicken feed brands to enable you to start feeding your chickens immediately. Let’s dive in.

Quick View: Our Top 8 Chicken Feeds

  1. Manna Pro 7-Grain Ultimate Chicken Feed (Best All-Rounder Chicken Feed)
  2. Grubblies World Harvest (Best Calcium Supplement Treat)
  3. Flygrubs Superior Mealworms for Chicken (Best Mealworms Supplement Treat)
  4. Purina Layena Hen Feed Crumbles (Best Crumble Feed for Laying Hens)
  5. Scratch and Peck Feeds (Best Organic Chicken Feed)
  6. Small Pet Chicken Feed (Best High Protein Chicken Feed)
  7. Purina Start and Grow (Best Chicken Starter Feed)
  8. Purina Layena+ Hen Feed with Omega-3 Formula (Omega-3 Rich Laying Hens Feed)

Top Chicken Feed Brands

There are several brands in the market, that have been bringing a revolution in chicken feed over the years. Some of the best chicken feed brands are:

Chicken Feed Types

There are different types of chicken feeds for different age groups, also for different purposes. So it is important to know what type of feed your chickens need, for the reason you are raising them.

For example, if you are raising chickens for meat, then you will not need feed specialized for increased egg production. Rather, you will need protein-rich feed appropriate for meat production. Make sure you pick best chicken feed for the purpose of your chickens.

Starter Feed

This is for chickens 0-8 weeks old. It contains higher levels of protein to help them grow quickly and develop properly. This is best chicken feed for young chickens.

Chicken Starter Feed Nutrition

The starter feed should contain:

  • Protein – 20-22%
  • Fat – 3-5%
  • Calcium – 0.6-0.9%
  • Fiber – 4-5%

There are two types of starter feeds:

  1. Crumbles – this is the most common form of chicken feed for starters. It is easy for them to eat and digest.
  2. Pellets – these are less common, but some people prefer them because they contain all the nutrients chickens need in one pellet, so there is no need to supplement with anything else.

Also, there are medicated and un-medicated varieties of starter feed. The medicated feed contains antibiotics to help prevent common diseases in young chickens. Un-medicated is, of course, without these antibiotics.

So, you choose the one you are required.

Pullet Grower Feed

This is for chickens 8-20 weeks old. At this age, they are no longer considered chicks, but they are not yet fully grown either. This is the best chicken feed for pullets.

Pullet Grower Feed Nutrition

The nutritional requirements of a pullet are different for baby chicks and full-grown adults. The pullet grower feed should contain:

  • Protein – 16-18%
  • Fat – 3-5%
  • Calcium – 0.6-0.9%
  • Fiber – 4-5%

As with starter feed, there are medicated and un-medicated pullet grower feeds available.

Like laying hens, pullet doesn’t need much calcium for their growth. And, they also need less protein than baby chickens while they are getting ready for the next phase of their lifecycle.

Layer Feed

This is for chickens who are 20 weeks older and laying eggs. A layer feed should have a higher concentration of calcium to help the chicken’s body produce strong eggshells. This is the best chicken feed for laying chickens.

Layer Feed Nutrition

A good layer feed will contain:

  • Protein – 16%
  • Fat – 3-5%
  • Calcium – 3.5%
  • Fiber – 4-5%

Layer feed comes as mash, pellets, or crumbles. All are equally good, so it just comes down to personal preference.

Some layer feeds are fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, which have many health benefits for both the chicken and the eggs they produce.

Broiler Feed

This is for chickens being raised for meat. A broiler chicken feed should be high in protein to help the chicken grow quickly and efficiently. This is the best chicken feed for chickens raised for meat.

The protein content of a broiler feed should be:

  • Protein – 22-24%
  • Fat – 3-5%
  • Calcium – 0.6-0.9%
  • Fiber – 4-5%

For broiler chickens, it is preferred to give them feed in the form of pellets or crumbles, as they are easier to eat and digest.

Finisher Feed

This is for chickens that are almost ready to be slaughtered. A finisher feed should have a lower protein content than a broiler feed, as the chicken does not need to grow anymore at this point. This is the best chicken feed for chickens that are ready to slaughter.

The protein content of a finisher feed should be:

  • Protein – 16-18%
  • Fat – 3-5%
  • Calcium – 0.6-0.9%
  • Fiber – 4-5%

To make the meat more tender and healthy, some finisher feeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids.

All Flock Feed

This is a general-purpose chicken feed that can be given to chickens of all ages, from chicks to adults. This is the best chicken feed for a general flock.

Maybe you are keeping your chickens in the backyard and they are of various ages. It is not possible to give different feeds to different age groups. That’s where comes the all flock feed.

An all flock feed should contain:

  • Protein – 16-18%
  • Fat – 3-5%
  • Calcium – 0.6-0.9%
  • Fiber – 4-5%

As with the other types of chicken feed, all flock feed comes as pellets, crumbles, or mash. There are also medicated and un-medicated varieties available.

Chickens Basic Needs

In addition to chicken feed, chickens also need water, shelter, and a place to roost (a perch to sleep on at night).

The best chicken feed

Feed

Chickens need about 2 pounds of feed per day. Here is a chicken feed calculator, where you can calculate how much feed you will need for your flock.

The nutritional requirements vary depending on the type of feed, but all chicken feeds have similar basic ingredients: protein, fat, calcium, and fiber. In MerckVetManual there’s a complete list of nutritional requirements for chickens of different ages, breeds, and purposes. Make sure you pick the best chicken feed for the purpose of your chickens.

Water

Chickens need clean, fresh water at all times. Their water needs will change depending on the temperature and their level of activity.

In hot weather, they may drink up to 4 times more water than in cooler weather. A good rule of thumb is to give them 1 cup of water per chicken per day.

If you have a lot of chickens, you may want to invest in an automatic waterer. These are large containers that can hold a lot of water and have a dispenser that allows the chickens to drink as much as they want. Also, in winter there’s a possibility that the water will get frozen. You need to use a water heater or winter waterer to overcome this.

Roosting

Chickens like to roost (sleep on a perch) at night. This is an instinctive behavior and helps them feel safe and secure.

If you do not provide a place for them to roost, they will find their own spot – which may not be ideal (such as on your porch steps!).

You can make a simple roosting bar by nailing a 2×4 to the wall of the chicken coop. The chickens will perch on this at night. It is important to make sure that the roosting bars are not too close together, as chickens like to spread their wings when they sleep. A good rule of thumb is to space the roosting bars about 12 inches apart.

Nesting

Chickens also like to have a place to nest. This is where they will lay their eggs. You can either provide them with a nesting box or they will find their own spot to lay their eggs.

If you provide them with a nesting box, make sure it is large enough for all of your chickens to share (about 12 inches per chicken).

You can make a simple nesting box by nailing a piece of plywood to the wall of the chicken coop. Cut out a hole in the plywood for the chickens to enter and exit the nesting box. Line the nesting box with straw or hay to make it more comfortable for the chickens.

Chicken coops can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. As long as they have the basic needs of food, water, and shelter, they will be happy and healthy.

Chicken Feed Supplements

In addition to the basic chicken feed, there are also a variety of supplements that you can give your chickens.

Scratch Grains

Scratch grains are a mix of whole grains that chickens can eat as a treat. They are not a complete diet, but they are a good way to give your chickens some extra nutrition.

The most common scratch grains are corn, oats, and wheat. You can also find mixes that contain a variety of different grains.

It’s important to know that you should not give too many scratch grains to your chickens. They should only make up 10-20% of their diet.

Grit

Grit is a type of sand that chickens eat to help them digest their food. It is not necessary to add grit to your chickens’ diet if they are eating a complete chicken feed, as the feed already contains all the necessary grit. Even the best chicken feed has to get supplemented with grit or oyster shells.

However, if you are feeding your chickens scratch grains or other treats, you may want to add grit to their diet. This will help them digest the treats and prevent digestive problems.

You can find chicken grit at your local farm supply store or online.

Oyster Shells

Oyster shells are a type of calcium supplement that you can give your laying chickens. They need calcium to lay strong eggs and oyster shells are an easy way to give them this nutrient. Even the best chicken feed has to get supplemented with grit or oyster shells.

If there’s calcium deficiency in laying chickens, then their eggshells will be thin and weak. This can cause problems with the eggs breaking inside the chicken’s body, which can lead to health problems.

You shouldn’t give Oyster Shells to not laying hens. As too much calcium can cause kidney problems.

Cracked Corn

Cracked corn is also a treat-type chicken feed. It is high in carbohydrates and calories, so it’s a good way to fatten up your chickens if they are looking a little skinny.

However, you should not give your chickens too much-cracked corn, as it can lead to health problems. It should only make up 10-20% of their diet.

Mealworms

Mealworms are a type of insect that chickens love to eat. They are a good source of protein and make a great treat for your chickens.

Vitamin C

Adding Vitamin C to your chickens’ diet can help them fight off disease and stay healthy. It is a water-soluble vitamin, so it is not stored in their bodies and needs to be replaced daily.

Forms of Chicken Feed

There are a variety of different forms of chicken feed available. The most common is pelletized feed, which is a type of feed that has been compressed into small pellets.

Other types of chicken feed include crumbles, mash, and grits. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you will need to decide which is best for your chickens.

Forms of Best Chicken Feeds

Mash

Mash is a type of chicken feed that is made up of small pieces of feed. It is a good choice for chickens that are just starting to eat solid food, as it is easy for them to digest.

In addition, the mashed chicken feed contains all the essential nutrients that your chickens need to stay healthy. It is also affordable and easy to find. There is also laying mash for egg-laying hens.

The downside of the mash is that it can be messy. Chickens can make a mess when they eat mash, so you will need to clean up after them. It can attract rodents and other pests if it is left out in the open. You can use an anti-rodent chicken feeder to tackle this issue.

Crumbles

Crumbles are a type of chicken feed that is made by breaking up the pellets into smaller pieces. They are easy for chickens to eat and digest, but can be a bit messy.

One of the benefits of picking chicken feed in crumble form is that it is easier for chickens to digest. Chickens have a crop, which is like a little stomach near their throat. This is where they store food before they eat it. When chickens eat chicken feed in pellet form, they have to work harder to break the pellets down before they can eat them. This can lead to crop issues like impacted crops or sour crops. Crumbles are easier for chickens to digest because they are already in small pieces. This means that chickens can eat them more easily and digest them more quickly. This can help to prevent crop issues and keep your chickens healthy.

Another benefit of feeding chicken crumble is that it is less messy than other types of chicken feed. When you pour pellets into a chicken feeder, some of the pellets will inevitably end up on the ground. This can attract rodents or other pests to your chicken coop. Crumbles are less likely to spill out of the feeder, so you won’t have to worry about attracting pests.

Chicken crumble is a great option for chickens of all ages. It is easy for them to digest and less messy than other types of chicken feed. This makes it a great option for keeping your chickens healthy and happy.

Pellets

Pellets are a great choice for chicken feed because they are made with ingredients that chickens love and they are easy to digest. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect feed for your flock.

Shell Grit

Shell grit is a type of chicken feed that is made from crushed oyster shells. It is an important part of a chicken’s diet because it helps them digest their food properly.

Chickens need shell grit in their diet because they do not have teeth. This means that they cannot grind their food down before they eat it. The grit helps to break the food down so that the chicken can digest it properly.

Shell grit is an important part of a chicken’s diet, but it is not something that they need to eat every day. You can add it to their diet when they are molting or if they are having trouble digesting their food.

Chicken Feed Specialized Options

There are a few specialized options when it comes to chicken feed. These include medicated feed, fermented feed, organic feed, and so on.

Medicated vs Non-Medicated Feed

Medicated chicken feed is a type of feed that contains medication to help prevent and treat illnesses in chickens. The most common type of medication found in chicken feed is antibiotics.

Non-medicated chicken feed does not contain any medication. This is the most common type of chicken feed and is suitable for most chickens. However, if your chickens are sick or prone to illness, you may want to consider switching to medicated feed.

There are a few things to consider before switching to medicated chicken feed. First, you will need to get a prescription from a veterinarian. Second, the medicated feed can be more expensive than non-medicated feed. Finally, some people prefer to avoid giving their chickens medication unless absolutely necessary.

If you are considering switching to medicated chicken feed, talk to your veterinarian to see if it is the right choice for your flock.

Fermented Chicken Feeds

Fermented chicken feed is a type of feed that has been treated with bacteria and enzymes. This process breaks down the carbohydrates in the feed, making it more digestible for chickens.

There are a few benefits of fermented chicken feed. First, it is easier for chickens to digest. This can help to prevent crop issues and keep your chickens healthy. Second, it is less likely to spoil than non-fermented feed. This means that you can store it for longer and don’t have to worry about it going bad.

If you are considering switching to fermented chicken feed, talk to your local feed store or agricultural extension office. They can help you find the right type of feed for your chickens and give you tips on how to ferment it.

Organic vs Commercial Feed

Organic chicken feed is made with ingredients that are grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. This type of feed is more expensive than commercial feed, but some people prefer it because they believe it is better for the environment and the health of their chickens.

Commercial chicken feed is made with ingredients that are grown with the use of pesticides and other chemicals. This type of feed is less expensive than organic feed, but some people prefer it because they believe it is more effective at preventing diseases in chickens.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between the organic and commercial chicken feed. It is a personal preference and you will need to decide what is best for your flock.

Omega 3 Rich Feeds

Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of fat that is essential for the health of chickens. These fats can be found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and other sources.

There are a few benefits of feeding chickens omega-3 fatty acids. First, they can help to improve the health of your chickens’ skin and feathers. Second, they can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Third, they can help to improve the overall health of your chickens.

If you are interested in feeding your chickens an omega-3-rich diet, you can look for omega-3-rich feeds.

8 Best Chicken Feeds

The ideal chicken feed is the one that is budget-friendly and also nutritious for the chicken. Also, there are different feeds for different stages, like chickens, laying hens, meat production, etc. Let’s take a look at our top pick list:

1. Flygrubs Superior Mealworms for Chicken

FLYGRUBS-Superior-to-Dried-Mealworms

This chicken feed is available in 5lbs of calcium-rich non-GMO feed that you can scatter on the ground for your chickens to feed naturally. It has a healthy concentration of all the essential nutrients required to make your chickens grow and mature faster. This is the best chicken feed supplement.

Not only does it contain 42 percent more protein, but it also has over 25 percent of healthy fat. In addition to those nutrients, this feed also gives chickens phosphorus, lysine, fiber, and dietary fat.

It is also much easier to handle than live mealworms since it comes as meal crumbs. The consistency of these mealworms is better than that of freeze-dried worms.

The Flygrubs mealworms consist of healthy and naturally dried larvae that chickens love. This feed will also encourage the formation of stronger eggshells and help your chickens to regain their normal energy levels after egg laying.

All the nutritional benefits this feed provides will also ensure your chicken has better immunity. What more could you ask from a chicken feed? Only remember that it will take some time before your chickens start loving them. This is also the best organic chicken feed.

Pros

The feed contains numerous nutrients that boost the immunity of chickens
It is entirely natural and won’t have any side effects on your chicken’s health
The added nutrients boost the chicken’s immunity
You can scatter them on the ground for the chickens to eat them naturally

Cons

There is a chance that your chickens might not like them, and if not, it will take them some time to get used to it.

2. Grubblies World Harvest

These are natural food grubs for your chicken made from black soldier fly larvae. Apart from the nutrients, this feed will also boost your chickens’ feather and egg production. And who doesn’t want their chicken to lay more eggs! This is the best chicken feed supplement for feather and egg production.

Grubblies will also be a natural supplement that will help your birds regain their energy after egglaying. That makes it one of the best chicken feeds for egg production. That will enable them to resume egg-laying faster than before, boosting productivity.

This chicken feed will not only boost egg production as the nutrients it contains also enable the chicken to lay eggs with stronger shells. The calcium on offer from this chicken feed will also ensure the eggs are safe from deformation and egg binding.

Among the nutrients, this feed will provide your chicken with proteins, fiber, lysine, phosphorus, and, of course, calcium. Calcium is so adequate in this chicken feed that you won’t need any extra calcium supplements.

Another thing that should endear you to this chicken feed is the fact that it is all-natural. There are no additives, GMO, or artificial ingredients. You are sure there won’t be any unforeseen side effects for your chickens, making this feed one of the best chicken feed for layers.

You can train your chickens to come running for this feed by shaking the bag. And if you have other birds, this feed will also be ideal for them.

Pros

It is a sustainably grown all-natural feed with zero artificial additives
It has the right mix of nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and fiber, meaning you won’t need supplements
It promotes egg-laying while ensuring stronger eggshells with no deformations
The nutrients in this feed will help your chickens regain their strength after egg-laying

Cons

Chickens might take some time to get used to them.

3. Manna Pro 7-Grain Ultimate Chicken Feed

Another excellent chicken feed you should consider for your chickens is the Manna Pro Chicken Scratch. It has a perfect balance of seven grains that you can feed your chicken with love. This is the best chicken feed for different purposes.

As is the running theme for all the chicken feed so far, this feed is also all-natural with zero artificial additives. It is from purple corn that is deliberately colorful to attract your chickens to them. The bright color of the feed should make your chicken love it.

The Manna chicken feed is not only suitable for chickens, and you can also use it for ducks, turkeys, and geese.

This feed is, however, not ideal for chickens below eight weeks old. That’s because the food particles are large and would give smaller birds difficulties eating. They will also require you to provide your chickens with a lot of water.

Pros

It has an ideal balance of 7 different nutritious grains that chickens will love.
Made from bright-colored corn that will attract chickens to eat
It is ideal for a mixed flock and can thus work for ducks or even geese

Cons

You can’t feed it to the chickens below eight weeks because of the particles’ large size.

4. Purina Layena Hen Feed Crumbles

If you own layers and want to boost egg production, Purina Layena is one of the best chicken feed for laying hens. It gives you chicken Xanthophyll responsible for the deep yellow yolks, that you will love in your chickens’ eggs.

This feed also has the right concentration of calcium and manganese to ensure that the chickens lay eggs with strong shells. Additionally, the feed will also give your birds lysine and other trace elements to boost egg production. The feed also has nutrients that will ensure your birds have better feathers for more healthy birds.

Additionally, Purina Layena chicken feed consists of pro and prebiotics that are usually responsible for stronger chicken immune systems. That will help make your chickens resistant to poultry diseases.

Finally, another thing you will love is the vitamins the chicken feed provides. It boasts of vitamins A, D, and E that ensure you are rearing strong and healthy birds.

Pros

Proper concentration of nutrients such as manganese and calcium and vitamins A, D, and E.
The essential amino acids boost egg production and the immune system of the chicken.
The calcium and manganese help the chickens to produce eggs with stronger shells.

Cons

It is pretty expensive when compared with other chicken feeds.

5. Scratch and Peck Feeds

The Scratch and Peck chicken feed is an all-natural USDA-certified organic chicken feed. It prides itself on natural ingredients free of any artificial fortifications and of the highest quality. This is the best chicken feed supplement which is organic certified.

This feed isn’t like most other feeds on the market. It is raw, which helps it to retain some of the nutrients your birds need. The whole grain is ideal for fermenting which, makes it more palatable for your birds.

It is soy and corn-free, unlike other birds. Soy and corn aren’t that essential for chickens, so this feed doesn’t have them as components.

You can feed it either to layer hens or ducks. You will, however, have to ensure the chickens have plenty of water. It is also with remember that they are ideal for chickens above 20 weeks because of the particles’ sizes.

The Scratch and Peck Feed boats a long shelf life which means you won’t have to worry about molds forming on the feeds and making it hazardous for your birds.

Pros

Whole grain feeds that are entirely from natural ingredients are sustainably grown by farmers.
It has a long shelf life which means you won’t have to worry about its perishability that much.
It is free of soy and corn, which don’t add much nutritional value to chicken.

Cons

You can’t feed them to chickens below 20 weeks because of the size of the particles.

6. Small Pet Chicken Feed

The small pet chicken feed prides itself on the use of natural ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. That means it won’t have any unforeseen side effects on your layers and their egg production. This is the best chicken feed with natural ingedrients from the Pacific Northwest.

It is also free of soy, corn, and GMOs.  Instead, it contains omega-3 fats, high protein content as well as seeds and herbs. That will enable t to give your chickens the natural balance of nutrients they need to mature faster and produce more eggs.

What will pique your interest is the protein on offer with this chicken feed. The high protein gains and other combinations will ensure your birds have the best chicken feed mix.

Because of the size of the grains, it wouldn’t be advisable to feed small birds. However, for adult birds, three-quarters a cup a day will be enough for most, depending on the number of chickens you have.

Chickens will love this feed, thanks to the palatable colors. You won’t have issues feeding them with the small pet chicken feed. The nutrients it contains will also help you boost the chickens’ egg-laying.

Pros

Boosts egg production
It has the ideal combination of proteins and other nutrients
Your birds will love the feed, thanks to the palatable colors
All-natural ingredients free of GMOs

Cons

If the feed stays for too long, the chicken might stop eating them.

7. Purina Start and Grow

The Purina Start and Grow chicken feed contains prebiotics and probiotics that are sure to boost your chicken’s immune system and improves digestive health. This is the best chicken feed for small chicks.

In addition to the probiotics and prebiotics, it also contains essential amino acids at levels that will benefit your chickens. Eighteen percent protein, methionine, and lysine boost not only immunity but also egg production.

Additionally, this feed also has essential vitamins that are sure to ensure better health. The vitamins include A, B, D, E, and K. Together with lysins and methionine; the vitamins will promote skeletal and muscle development in your birds and boost the quality of feathers.

Another additional nutrient to boost your chicken’s plumage is the marigold extract. The extract ensures bright-colored beaks and brighter plumages in chicks.

The balanced and complete recipe of 38 different chick nutrients marks this feed as one of the best chicken feed for young chicks. Not only will your chicks be healthy, but they will also grow at the right place.

Pros

Additional marigold extract ensures brighter plumages and beaks
Has the ideal mix of all the 38 chick nutrients
The probiotics and prebiotics boost the immune system of chicks
It consists of all the natural minerals your chicks need

Cons

It has specific components that the chicks won’t eat and that blocks the feeder.

8. Purina Layena+ Hen Feed with Omega-3 Formula

This is the Purina Layena version of feeds that is exclusively for layers. If you want to produce larger and more nutritious eggs, it would be a good idea t try out this feed that boasts omega-3 formula. This is the best chicken feed for lager and more nutritious eggs.

To emphasize this feed’s focus on the eggs, it has a marigold extract responsible for brighter colored yolks inside the large eggs you will get. With 16 percent protein content and 3.5 percent calcium, this feed is the best chicken feed for best-tasting eggs.

The feed also has methionine and lysine that will help produce better eggs and chicks with attractive feathers. In addition to these nutrients, this feed also contains probiotics and prebiotics that boost the chickens’ immune system.

With the ideal mix of nutrients, this feed marks itself out as a good option if you have egg-laying chicken. The chickens will have better digestive health and mature into healthy chickens.

Pros

A significant mix of minerals can guarantee more productive egg laying in your chickens.
The added lysine and methionine amino acids promote the laying of more nutritious eggs.
It contains probiotics and prebiotics that will boost the immune and digestive health of your chickens.
It will also help the chickens lay larger eggs

Cons

It is quite expensive

How to Choose the Best Chicken Feed

Before buying chicken feed, there are a few things you will have to think about. Apart from the nutrients your chickens need, you might also have to factor in the price of the feed you want to buy.

Let’s look at those things you need to consider.

Is it the Best Chicken Feed?

It would help if you asked yourself this question since you might end up buying feed that your chickens don’t like. Since you are the caregiver, you must have an idea about the preferences of your chickens.

Some chickens might be picky and refuse to eat most feeds you buy, but some won’t eat at all. That will mean you have to invest in brightly colored feeds to entice the chickens to eat without much fuss.

What are the Ingredients?

You should consider the ingredients that make up the chicken feed because it could be the difference between the birds gobbling up all the feeds or refusing to eat. Most of the products we have reviewed here have all-natural ingredients.

With the rising number of GMO foods, you will need to look for the best non-GMO chicken feed. Most brands will say they are non-GMO, while in reality, they aren’t.

You, therefore, will need to scrutinize the ingredients before buying the feed carefully. Some feed brands will include some limestone or oyster shells to help the chicken grind food. You also need to look out for this and see whether it would be ideal for your chickens.

Best Chicken Feed For The Age of Your Chickens

Before buying any feeds, you will have to consider the age of your chickens. That’s because some feeds might contain large particles that wouldn’t be suitable for chicks. Some feeds have specifications saying you need to feed them only to chickens above a certain number of weeks old.

To ensure you don’t mistakenly buy feeds that wouldn’t fit your chickens’ age profile, you need to consider this. You will find the specifications on the product telling you the age the feed is suitable for.

How Much Does the Feed Cost?

Chicken feed varies in price, but there is no disputing there is feed for every budget. Before buying, you will need to consider the cost and see whether it matches your budget or not.

Checking the price will also let you know whether the chicken feed matches the quality you are excepting or not. It’s essential to check the cost because you might want to buy in bulk and be looking for a discount.

No one would mind a quality product but at a reasonable price.

How Will you Know you are Giving the Right Feed?

You don’t need to be a hands-on caregiver to quickly notice that your chickens don’t like the food you are giving them. If they love the food, then it will mean it is the correct feed for them.

Also, you can notice that although the chickens are eating the food, there isn’t any noticeable difference in their well-being. That should tell you that the food isn’t the correct one for your chickens.

Another thing to look out for is if the chickens develop problems whenever they at the fed. It could be that they are allergic to a component of the feed or that the feed doesn’t agree with their digestive system. You will know whenever the food isn’t helping them much apart from filling their gizzards.

Chickens aren’t complicated animals to understand. They will show you if they don’t like the food. Changing to a more palatable brand might be a good idea then.

How to Store Chicken Feed

Chicken feed can be stored in a variety of ways. The most common method is to store it in a bin or container with a lid. This will keep the feed fresh and dry. You can also store chicken feed in bags, but make sure to seal them tightly so that the feed doesn’t get wet or moldy.

Another option is to store chicken feed in the freezer. This is a good option if you live in an area with hot, humid summers. Freezing the feed will keep it fresh and dry.

When storing chicken feed, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much chicken feed should I buy?

These are all great questions, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The amount of chicken feed your flock will need will depend on a variety of factors, including the age and health of your chickens, the climate you live in, and your personal preferences.

The best way to determine how much chicken feed you should buy is to use our chicken feed calculator or talk to your veterinarian. They can help you calculate the amount of feed your chickens will need based on your specific needs.

How long does chicken feed last before it goes bad?

Chicken feed can last for a long time if it is stored properly. However, it is important to check the expiration date on the package before you purchase it.

If you are not sure how long your chicken feed will last, you can always contact the manufacturer to find out. They should be able to give you an estimate of how long the feed will last before it goes bad.

In general, chicken feed should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources. If you store chicken feed in the freezer, it will last even longer.

Should chickens be fed only chicken feed?

No, chickens should not be fed only chicken feed. They also need access to fresh water and a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.

Chickens are omnivores, which means they require a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. In addition to chicken feed, you should also provide your chickens with fresh water, grit, and a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.

If you are not sure what type of foods chickens can eat, you can always talk to your veterinarian or local extension office. They can help you create a healthy diet plan for your chickens based on their specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the best chicken feed for your birds, we hope you can transform your kitchen farming project. It doesn’t matter whether you are doing it for fun or profit; chickens need the best food to thrive.

Suppose you were looking for such food, what better place to start than here. Remember to look at the feed’s nutrient level before buying to ensure you don’t buy food that won’t help your chickens.

The chicken feed brands we have discussed here have the proper concentration of nutrients for your chicken. They are also entirely natural, with no traces of GMOs. They, therefore, are safe for your chickens and worth trying out.

All the best.