What is a healthy feed

[Ryan A]

Hey guys,
I used to feed my chickens scratch but everyone on BYC day that is unhealthy. What is a healthier feed I should buy for my girls?
Thanks!

 

[Chickie friend]

Hey guys,
I used to feed my chickens scratch but everyone on BYC day that is unhealthy. What is a healthier feed I should buy for my girls?
Thanks!

There are a couple different types of chicken feed. Layer feed, grower, chick feed, and all flock or flock raiser. Are your chickens laying? layer feed is formulated for laying hens but can have too much calcium for non laying chickens (roosters, younger chicks, non laying hens). All flock feed is what is use since I have a rooster and I provide oyster shell on the side for extra calcium.

 

[DaisyDaGuicken]

I personally think that feeding chickens scratch is fine, as long as you feed them other things as well. It may fill their stomachs but don't contain enough protein to help with egg production. I recommend feeding crumble, shrimp or lobster shells, and mealworms! These are some other alternatives for protein. I feed my chickens scratch as well. But I always make sure to balance it out with foods that are high in protein.

 

[Ryan A]

Never mind, I just got layer feed.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Chicken feed will have feeding instructions along with what age the feed is designed for on the bag.

Personally I use a flock raiser feed and toss a bit of scratch across the chicken yard so they have something to scratch for. I keep oyster shell in a dish near the feeder that has the flock raiser in it.

By a bit of scratch I mean my 19 hens must share a single measuring cup of scratch.

 

[icy_flames]

I dont know what your budget is and the # of birds you have but Tractor Supply sells great organic chick starter + layer feed. I believe it's around $25 for 40 pound bags. I personally feed a organic non soy non corn feed but it is on the pricer side

 

[Ryan A]

I have 15 birds, so how much should I give them off layer feed? The same amount as I used to scratch?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I have 15 birds, so how much should I give them off layer feed? The same amount as I used to scratch?

Chickens are very good at self regulation. They won't over eat.

Fill a feeder and keep it available all daylight hours. I remove feed at night to discourage rodents.

 

[icy_flames]

I use a 7 pound feeder that is refilled completely every couple days or so. I have less than 10 birds.

 

[MaryH487]

Chickens are very good at self regulation. They won't over eat.

Fill a feeder and keep it available all daylight hours. I remove feed at night to discourage rodents.

I have read that chicken obesity is a real issue for some breeds.