Why Homemade Chicken Feed Might Be the Secret to Healthier Hens (And Better Eggs!)
If you've ever wondered about the true quality of the store-bought chicken feed, why your hens suddenly stop laying eggs, or why they seem less vibrant, then you're not alone. As an avid homesteader I’ve faced these questions myself. Sometimes, that pricey bag of feed isn't all it's cracked up to be. But don't fret! Making your own chicken feed can be a game-changer, cost-effective, healthier, and tailored to your flock's needs. Let us walk you through our favorite homemade chicken feed recipe, and share tips on how to keep your chickens happy and productive.
Table of Contents
Why Consider Making Your Own Chicken Feed?
What Goes Into Homemade Chicken Feed?
Our Custom Homemade Chicken Feed Recipe
Tips for Successful Homemade Feeding
Final Thoughts: Nourish Your Flock Naturally
Why Consider Making Your Own Chicken Feed?
While store-bought feeds are convenient, they often contain high levels of fillers, preservatives, or ingredients that may not be ideal for your hens’ health. Plus, the cost can add up quickly, especially if you're feeding a flock of several chickens. You might notice:
Better Egg Production: Healthy hens lay better eggs when fed nutritious, fresh ingredients.
Reduced Feed Costs: Building your own mix can save money in the long run.
Full Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what your chickens are eating, no mysterious additives or fillers.
Enhanced Hen Health: Proper nutrition leads to more resilient birds and happier, lively hens.
And the best part? Creating your own feed can turn into a fun, rewarding part of your homesteading journey!
What Goes Into Homemade Chicken Feed?
The key to a balanced diet is variety and quality. Here's what we include in our homemade mix:
Corn or Whole Grains: Provides energy (about 50% of the diet).
Soybean Meal or Other Legumes: Protein source essential for laying hens.
Oyster Shell or Calcium Supplements: Supports eggshell strength.
Garden Veggies and Greens: Adds vitamins and boosts overall health.
Grains: Oats, wheat, barley, fiber and variety.
Supplements: Optional additions like garlic, herbs, or probiotics for immune support.
Remember, the goal is to mimic their natural diet as much as possible, providing a balance of carbs, protein, calcium, and vital nutrients.
Our Custom Homemade Chicken Feed Recipe
Here's the recipe we've perfected over time at Olden Oasis Homestead. Feel free to adapt based on what’s available locally or your flock's specific needs:
50 lbs of dried corn or cracked oats
10 lbs of soybean meal
5 lbs of crushed oyster shells
5 lbs of dried peas
Optional supplements: a handful of kelp meal for iodine, garlic powder for immune boost, or probiotic powder.
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Feed your hens free-choice or about ¼ to ½ pound per hen per day, adjusting as needed based on their age and laying cycle.
Note: Always offer mixed garden greens and veggie scraps to your flock when available. Even short cut grass clippings offer a lot of needed nutrients.
Tips for Successful Homemade Feeding
Start Slowly: Transition your hens gradually from store-bought to homemade feed to prevent digestive upset.
Provide Fresh Water: Always have clean water available, they need it to process nutrients properly.
Offer Variety: Mix in kitchen scraps, herbs, and garden produce regularly to keep things interesting and nutritious.
Observe Your Flock: Keep an eye on health, egg production, and behavior and adjust ingredients as necessary.
Avoid Mold & Spoilage: Store feed properly and discard any wet or moldy ingredients to prevent illness.
It is also very important to note:
Chickens should not eat uncooked legumes, as they contain toxins that can be fatal to them.
Chickens should not eat dried uncooked lentils as they contain a harmful compound called phytohaemagglutinin, which can be toxic. It's safer to either cook or sprout the lentils before feeding them to chickens.
Check out my posts on how to sprout lentils and how to make homemade flock blocks.
Homemade feed isn’t just a cost-saving measure; it’s a way to connect more deeply with your flock's health and wellbeing.
Final Thoughts: Nourish Your Flock Naturally
At Olden Oasis Homestead, we've found that making our own chicken feed has transformed our flock’s health and productivity. Not only do our hens lay more eggs with richer yolks, but they also look healthier and happier. Plus, it’s incredibly gratifying to know exactly what’s going into their diets. If you’re concerned about store-bought feeds and want to take control of your homestead’s nutrition, give this homemade recipe a try. Your hens and your wallet will thank you! Happy homesteading!