Homemade Chicken Feed Recipe

Make sure to like Practical Homesteading Ideas on Facebook, Shop at Amazon to help support my site and explore our PINTEREST BOARDS  for innovative ways you can become self-sufficient.

Chickens are hardy, curious creatures that thrive when they’re well-fed, but with commercial feed prices on the rise, making your own homemade chicken feed can be a great way to keep costs down while controlling the quality of what your chickens consume. Crafting your own feed allows you to use fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients that support your flock’s health, egg production, and even feather quality! In this post, you’ll find a simple, customizable recipe, tips for feeding, and answers to common questions about DIY chicken feed.

Why Make Your Own Chicken Feed?

Creating your own chicken feed gives you complete control over what goes into your flock’s diet, allowing you to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need without unwanted fillers. This is especially beneficial if you keep chickens for eggs, as a well-balanced diet directly impacts egg quality. Additionally, homemade feed often contains fresher ingredients, which means higher nutrient content, as some nutrients in commercial feed degrade over time.

Tips for Crafting Nutrient-Dense Chicken Feed

1. Balance Your Ingredients: Chickens need a good balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Aim for around 16-18% protein in their diet, especially if they’re layers.
2. Keep it Fresh: Use fresh grains and seeds to ensure your feed has high nutritional value and won’t spoil quickly.
3. Incorporate Supplements: Certain nutrients, like calcium for egg-laying hens, are essential. Crushed oyster shells are a great source of calcium, and grit is needed to aid their digestion.
4. Store Properly: Homemade feed can spoil if not stored well. Keep it in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
5. Adjust for Seasons: Chickens’ nutritional needs can vary by season, especially in colder months when they burn more calories to stay warm. Consider adding more high-energy foods, like cracked corn, to winter feeds.

Homemade Chicken Feed Recipe

This recipe provides a well-rounded diet for laying hens, though you can adjust quantities for meat chickens or young chicks.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups whole corn: A staple in chicken diets, providing energy.
• 6 cups wheat: Adds fiber, B vitamins, and protein.
• 4 cups oats: Great source of fiber and protein.
• 2 cups barley: Adds fiber and supports digestion.
• 2 cups sunflower seeds (hulled): High in healthy fats and protein.
• 1 cup split peas: An affordable protein source.
• 1 cup fish meal or soybeans: Adds necessary amino acids (protein).
• 1/2 cup dried mealworms (optional): A tasty treat packed with protein.
• 1 cup oyster shells: Provides calcium for eggshell strength.
• 1/2 cup grit: Necessary for digestion, especially if they don’t have access to natural gravel or soil.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing container, combine all ingredients, stirring thoroughly until well-mixed.
2. Store the feed in a cool, dry, airtight container to keep it fresh.
3. For adult chickens, feed approximately 1/4 pound of feed per chicken per day. This amount may vary slightly depending on their size and laying frequency.

Feeding Tip:

Offer your chickens small amounts of fresh greens or vegetable scraps (like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers) alongside the feed for added vitamins and variety.

Common Questions About Homemade Chicken Feed

1. Can I skip the oyster shells if I don’t have laying hens?
Yes, if you don’t have laying hens, you can reduce or omit the oyster shells. Non-laying chickens don’t require as much calcium in their diet. However, if they’re laying, calcium is crucial to ensure strong eggshells.

2. Can I use just any type of grain?
While chickens can eat many types of grains, some are more beneficial than others. Whole corn, wheat, and oats are excellent because they provide a good mix of carbs, fiber, and protein. Avoid highly processed grains or grains that may contain added sugars or salt.

3. Do I need to add supplements if I make homemade chicken feed?
It’s generally recommended, especially calcium and grit. Chickens also benefit from vitamin D (from sunshine) for calcium absorption and selenium (found in trace amounts in sunflower seeds or fish meal) for immunity. You can add a poultry supplement if desired, though it’s often unnecessary with a well-balanced diet.

4. Is this feed safe for chicks?
Not exactly. Chicks have different nutritional needs, specifically requiring higher protein (around 20-22%) for their rapid growth. You can modify this recipe by increasing protein sources like mealworms or split peas, or feed them a commercial chick starter until they’re old enough.

5. How much should I feed my chickens daily?
An average adult chicken needs about 1/4 pound of feed per day. If you’re unsure, watch your flock for signs of underfeeding (scratching around or losing weight) or overfeeding (leaving excess feed uneaten).

Wrapping It Up

Making your own chicken feed can be a fulfilling way to support your flock’s health and save money while keeping them happy and healthy. It allows you to make adjustments as your chickens grow or as the seasons change, ensuring they’re getting everything they need from their food. With the right mix of grains, proteins, and minerals, your chickens will thrive, laying better eggs and even exhibiting healthier feathers and vitality.

If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to explore other homesteading tips on our blog. And as always, let us know how this recipe worked for your flock!