The Dos and Don’ts of Feeding Backyard Chickens

Does it really matter?

Proper nutrition is important for the health and well-being of your backyard chickens. A balanced diet will help your chickens to produce healthy eggs, maintain strong immune systems, and live long, happy lives. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to feeding your chickens.

✅ Dos:

• Provide a balanced diet including grains, protein sources, and vegetables. Chickens need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, and a balanced diet is the key to meeting their nutritional needs. Grains such as corn and oats provide energy, while protein sources like soybean meal and fishmeal help to support muscle development and egg production. Vegetables such as leafy greens, peas, and root vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
• Offer clean, fresh water at all times. Water is essential for your chickens’ health, and it’s important to make sure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Use a clean, water-safe container and refill it daily to ensure that your chickens have plenty of water to drink.
• Supplement with vitamins and minerals as needed. Depending on your chickens’ diet and living conditions, they may need additional vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Consult with a veterinarian or a poultry expert to determine if your chickens need any supplements and how much to give.

⛔️ Don’ts:

• Do not feed chickens avocado, chocolate, or other toxic substances. Some foods that are safe for humans can be toxic for chickens. Avocado, for example, contains persin, which can be toxic to chickens in large amounts. Chocolate is also toxic to chickens due to the presence of theobromine. Be sure to keep these and other toxic foods away from your chickens.
• Avoid letting feed become moldy or contaminated. Moldy or contaminated feed can be harmful to your chickens and can lead to health issues. Keep your chickens’ feed in a clean, dry place and use it up within a reasonable time frame to prevent contamination.
• Do not overfeed or underfeed your chickens. It’s important to provide your chickens with the right amount of feed to meet their nutritional needs. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues, while underfeeding can result in malnutrition and reduced egg production. Consult with a poultry expert to determine the appropriate amount of feed for your chickens.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can help to ensure that your chickens receive the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

Get the FlockNerd App!

Track your feed and other expences in the FlockNerd app to see how much you're spending each month and on what. Click here to sign up!