what seasonings/extras to add to feed to make it more nutritious?

[nuthatched]

After a few years I’ve settled on this:

Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve layer feed, stretched with Nutrena Country Feeds layer pellets.

I add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Crushed egg shells
- Grit
- Soldier fly larvae
- Cinnamon (sometimes)
- Sage (sometimes)

I put it all mixed up in a flat planter drain dish, and call it a chicken pizza. Here it is.




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This is just my routine. Do some research, figure out what they like best. Good luck!

Be careful. Garlic can be toxic to chickens and pepper seeds can block nutrition.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

I just noticed that. These blueberries are very plump! They don't get just the blueberries, though. I mix in their layer grain feed with several other leafy greens and additional nutrients. I did cut back to six each, but five sounds reasonable. Plus, I wouldn't mind actually enjoying a few blueberries myself! Thank you.

you are welcome.

 

[Nicho]

Be careful. Garlic can be toxic to chickens and pepper seeds can block nutrition.

I don’t add garlic. The only time I give garlic is with ACV dose for new quarantined birds or for worm sign. As for red pepper flakes- they can have plenty and it’s beneficial in moderation. A sprinkle goes a long way.

 

[nuthatched]

I don’t add garlic. The only time I give garlic is with ACV dose for new quarantined birds or for worm sign. As for red pepper flakes- they can have plenty and it’s beneficial in moderation. A sprinkle goes a long way.

Just making sure. Garlic won't do anything for worms, sadly.

 

[Debbie292d]

I don’t add garlic. The only time I give garlic is with ACV dose for new quarantined birds or for worm sign. As for red pepper flakes- they can have plenty and it’s beneficial in moderation. A sprinkle goes a long way.

I don't use garlic but don't like it when people are told it's toxic. A lot of things can be toxic to chickens, and people as well. It's all in moderation. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/food-advice.1608902/#post-27427812

It's also in this article by our BYC Project Manager.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

The dosage is the poison.

 

[igorsMistress]

Treats and add ins should only amount to roughly 10% of the daily diet. Their feed is already nutritionally balanced .

 

[1motorpsycho]

hello my feathered friends! currently i am trying to figure out if there is any way to make my current chicken feed more nutritious, i feel like i’m not doing enough for my girlypops…

here is a pic of the current feed i am giving them! i usually buy from tractor supply from the next town over but there is a pet feed store in town so i can also check out my options. if there is any feed that you guys consider to be better even just as a base then i’m listening. my father would rather prefer our feed we give them be non-soy and organic and even gluten free! blah blah blah but that gets so specific that there’s not a lot of options! at this point i just want something that’s good for them and just gives them a well rounded diet as they are here to supply us with eggs. they are not meat birds.

they also free range our entire backyard so they get to eat all the bugs, weeds, leaves, so they aren’t stuck only eating the feed if that helps! i am starting to save their eggshells to dry and grind up and redistribute back into their feed for starters. i saw this video on instagram about this girl adding a bunch of extras into her feed, red pepper flakes, nyjer seeds, italian seasonings, etc and saying the “benefits” for each of the add-ins and now i'm wondering if i could be doing more as well.

one last thing! is there any way to make the yolks darker? i loooove an orangey yolk

thank you and bless all of you!
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They like and could use calcium. Once in a while I give them cottage cheese or put a little milk in the food.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

adding water to feed can make an oatmeal like texture; and to that i may add leftover chicken, cooked egg, small amount of oatmeal, flax. Depending on the time of year or if hens are molting, the mash is the carrier for added protein or with warm water on cold mornings. Good luck! Its easy to over treat in an attempt to bond and share nice time, but you’ll be doing an injustice to your hens. i catch myself throughout the year over treating and will quickly get back on track. you can use their feed to make a homemade flock block as a way to ‘spice’ things up a bit too. mix it all together with some egg and coconut oil, maybe some molasses and toss it in the oven! Good luck! Heres a pic of different items that can make up a flock block.