How Do I Choose The Best Feed For Chickens?

“I’ve just started raising a small flock of chickens in my backyard, and I’m finding it a bit overwhelming when it comes to picking the best feed for them. I’ve heard that what you feed your chickens can affect their health, egg production, and overall happiness, but there are so many options out there! Can you help me figure out how to choose the right feed? I’m especially interested in keeping my hens healthy and happy so they produce great eggs. I’m currently raising four Rhode Island Reds in a suburb of Sydney, Australia.” Thanks, Susan, Sydney, Australia.

How Do I Choose The Best Feed For Chickens?

So, Susan, raising a small flock of chickens like you are can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get fresh eggs, but you also get to enjoy the companionship of these quirky birds. But I completely understand where you’re coming from—choosing the best feed for your chickens can be a bit overwhelming at first. With so many factors to consider, it can be hard to know what’s really right for your chickens. Let’s break things down to help you choose feed that will keep your Rhode Island Reds happy, healthy, and productive.

Understanding Your Chickens’ Nutritional Needs

First off, it’s important to understand why choosing the right feed is so important for your chickens. Their diet affects almost every aspect of their health, from egg production to feather quality, and even their resilience to disease. Chickens need a balanced diet that provides protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. Each of these nutrient categories plays a unique role in your chickens’ well-being.

Here’s a quick run-down of what your chickens need:

• Protein: Chickens need protein to grow, lay eggs, and maintain their overall health. Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of a chicken’s body. For laying hens, your flock will need around 16-18% protein in their diet.
• Energy: This usually comes from carbohydrates and fats. Energy is vital for maintaining body functions, keeping the chickens warm, and supporting egg production.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Just like us, chickens require a range of vitamins and minerals to support functions like bone development, immune health, and egg formation. Calcium, for example, is crucial for strong eggshells.
• Fiber: While fiber is not as critical for chickens as it is for ruminants like cows, having some fiber in their diet does aid in digestion and helps keep their gastrointestinal tract healthy.

Types of Chicken Feed

There are several different types of feed available, each designed to meet the specific needs of your chickens at different stages of their life. Let’s explore the most common ones:

Starter Feed

Starter feed is intended for chicks from day one up until about 6 weeks of age. This type of feed is high in protein, typically around 20-24%, because growing chicks need a lot of protein to develop effectively. It usually comes in a finely ground form, making it easier for chicks to eat.

Grower Feed

Once your chicks reach 6 weeks of age, you’ll want to switch them to grower feed. This feed has a lower protein content, usually around 16-18%, because the chicks are transitioning from quick growth to more steady development. Grower feed supports continued growth, feather development, and prepares them for egg production.

Layer Feed

As your chickens approach 16-20 weeks old, or when they begin laying eggs, it’s time for them to transition to layer feed. Layer feed is lower in protein, around 16%, but it’s fortified with calcium and other necessary vitamins and minerals essential for egg production. Your Rhode Island Reds will thrive on layer feed as long as it’s well-balanced and fresh.

All-Purpose Feed

If you have a mixed-age flock or are looking for convenience, all-purpose feed could be a good option. This feed is designed to be suitable for chickens of all ages, though it’s not optimal for specific needs like growth or egg production. It typically contains about 16% protein and may include additional nutrients to cover a wider range of requirements. However, it’s worth noting that laying hens on all-purpose feed might need additional calcium supplemented to ensure strong eggshells.

Organic vs. Non-Organic Feed: Does It Really Matter?

You might be wondering whether organic feed is worth the extra cost. Organic feed is made with ingredients grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMOs. If you’re concerned about what your chickens are ingesting and want to avoid any potential chemical residues, organic feed can be a great choice.

However, keep in mind that organic feed often comes at a higher price. Non-organic feed, on the other hand, can be more affordable and still provide the necessary nutrients—so long as you’re choosing a high-quality brand. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your priorities and budget.

Medicated vs. Non-Medicated Feed

Another important consideration is whether or not you want to use medicated feed, which is typically designed to prevent coccidiosis, a parasitic infection that can be common in young chicks. Medicated feed is commonly used in starter and grower feeds and includes a coccidiostat that helps prevent this disease.

If your flock has a history of coccidiosis, or you’re in an area where it’s known to be a problem, medicated feed can be a good preventive measure. However, if your chicks are vaccinated against coccidiosis, or if you prefer to avoid medication unless absolutely necessary, non-medicated feed can work just as well. Just keep a close eye on your chickens for any signs of illness.

Supplements and Treats: To Add or Not to Add?

Once you’ve chosen your primary feed, you might also be considering whether to add supplements or treats to your chickens’ diet. While not strictly necessary if you’re using a balanced commercial feed, supplements can be beneficial in certain scenarios.

Calcium Supplements

If you notice that your hens’ eggs have thin shells, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough calcium. You can provide this by offering crushed oyster shells or specific calcium supplements in a separate feeder. Your chickens will eat it free-choice, only taking what they need.

Grit

Grit is essential for chickens that eat whole grains or are allowed to free-range, as it helps them to grind down their food in the gizzard. If your chickens have access to natural grit from the soil, they may not need additional supplementing. However, if they’re confined to a coop, you’ll want to provide it for them.

Protein Treats

Treats like mealworms or other high-protein snacks can be an excellent way to provide a bit of a boost to your hens, especially during molting season or cold weather when their protein needs may be higher. However, it’s important not to overdo it—treats should make up no more than 10% of their overall diet.

Also, if you’re feeding kitchen scraps, be cautious about what you offer. Avoid giving them anything salty, sugary, or fatty, and steer clear of foods like onions, garlic, and avocados, which can be harmful to chickens.

Exploring Feed Forms: Pellets, Crumbles, and Mash

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of feed, you’ll likely also have the option to choose between different forms: pellets, crumbles, and mash. Each has its pros and cons:

• Pellets: Pellets are a popular choice because they’re easy to dispense, create less waste, and generally provide a well-balanced diet with every peck. They’re also less susceptible to spoilage and are easier to store.
• Crumbles: Crumbles are essentially pellets that have been broken down into smaller pieces. They can be easier for younger or smaller chickens to eat and might be a good middle-ground if you’re transitioning from mash to pellets.
• Mash: Mash is very finely ground feed that can sometimes be fed wet or dry. It’s usually a good choice for chicks or smaller birds, but it can be more wasteful as chickens may scatter it more easily.

In your case, Susan, since you’re raising adult Rhode Island Reds, pellets might be the easiest and most efficient option, though crumbles could work well too if your hens seem to prefer them.

Troubleshooting Common Feeding Issues

Even with the best planning, you might encounter some challenges when choosing the right feed for your chickens. Let’s go over a few common issues and how to address them:

Picky Eaters

If your hens are leaving certain parts of their feed behind, it could be a sign of picky eating. This is more common with mash or mixed feeds where they can easily pick out their favorite parts. Try switching to pellets or crumbles to ensure they’re getting a balanced diet with every bite.

Feeding Amounts

You might wonder about how much feed to offer your chickens. The general rule of thumb is to provide 1/4 to 1/3 pound of feed per chicken per day. However, observe their behavior: hungry chickens will often be more vocal or show signs of stress, while overweight chickens will have a hard time moving around. Adjust portions as needed to keep them at a healthy weight.

Eggshell Quality

If you notice thin or soft eggshells, despite feeding a layer formula, consider supplementing with extra calcium. Weak shells can also be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it’s worth checking with a vet if you’re concerned.

Seasonal Considerations

It’s also worth noting that your chickens’ needs might change with the seasons:

• Winter: In colder months, chickens use more energy to keep warm, so they might need slightly more feed—especially energy-dense options. You may also want to add in some high-protein treats to help them through molting or particularly cold spells.
• Summer: In hot weather, chickens eat less, so ensure that what they do eat is nutritionally dense. Keep their water supply full and fresh as dehydration can lead to a host of other issues.

Final Thoughts…

Susan, thanks so much for your question! It sounds like you’re off to a great start with your backyard flock, and by selecting the right feed, you’re setting your hens up for a happy, healthy life with plenty of delicious, nutritious eggs. Remember that a well-balanced diet is key to your chickens’ health and productivity. Don’t be afraid to try different feeds and observe how your chickens respond to find what works best for them. Happy chicken keeping!