Nutritions??? What do chickens need

[Nellydog]

What do chickens need in there diets? And the best food for them or should I mix my own food? I hear people talking about giving there chickens electro lights but what is that and why do they need it? Can I buy it at a feed store? I want to know everything about a chickens diet before I go and impulse buy which I never strive to do so if you chicken experts could help me understand a chickens diet that would be great!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

All the nutrients chickens need are in a bag of chicken feed for the age it was intended to feed. The back of the bag will have a feeding chart and when it is best to switch feeds.
For example, starter grower crumbles till 18+ weeks than if raising layers, switch to layer feed or continue to feed grower and provide oyster shell on the side in a separate container.
There has been well over a century of research into the nutrients needed by chickens and at what ratios. All feed manufacturers have that info and assay their feeds to insure those nutrients are in adequate supply.
Chickens need the same nutrients all their lives, just at slightly different ratios depending on age. The primary difference in feeds is protein % and calcium %.
The younger the bird, the better they can utilize protein. Starter feeds are usually between 18 and 22% protein. As they reach full size, they don't need that much.
All chickens do well on about 1% calcium until they start laying eggs and can utilize up to 4% (the amount in layer feed) or more depending on how many egg shells they are building. Any birds not actively building shells, shouldn't get that much calcium.
They truly don't need anything else. Electrolytes are thought to be helpful for extremely hot weather but I don't use it. Chickens don't sweat.
A jug of Nutri-Drench is good to keep on hand if birds need a boost(especially chicks)
N-D is sold online and at Tractor Supply as well as some other feed stores. It provides a vitamin/mineral boost along with the essential amino acids of lysine and methionine.
Normally, if you keep treats to a minimum or not at all, feed is all they need.

 

[Nellydog]

All the nutrients chickens need are in a bag of chicken feed for the age it was intended to feed. The back of the bag will have a feeding chart and when it is best to switch feeds.
For example, starter grower crumbles till 18+ weeks than if raising layers, switch to layer feed or continue to feed grower and provide oyster shell on the side in a separate container.
There has been well over a century of research into the nutrients needed by chickens and at what ratios. All feed manufacturers have that info and assay their feeds to insure those nutrients are in adequate supply.
Chickens need the same nutrients all their lives, just at slightly different ratios depending on age. The primary difference in feeds is protein % and calcium %.
The younger the bird, the better they can utilize protein. Starter feeds are usually between 18 and 22% protein. As they reach full size, they don't need that much.
All chickens do well on about 1% calcium until they start laying eggs and can utilize up to 4% (the amount in layer feed) or more depending on how many egg shells they are building. Any birds not actively building shells, shouldn't get that much calcium.
They truly don't need anything else. Electrolytes are thought to be helpful for extremely hot weather but I don't use it. Chickens don't sweat.
A jug of Nutri-Drench is good to keep on hand if birds need a boost(especially chicks)
N-D is sold online and at Tractor Supply as well as some other feed stores. It provides a vitamin/mineral boost along with the essential amino acids of lysine and methionine.
Normally, if you keep treats to a minimum or not at all, feed is all they need.

thanks so much!