Tag: Feed

Choosing the Right Feed For Chicks and Chickens

What The Labels Mean
Which One is Right For Your Birds

There are many brands to choose from, these randomly picked brands will give you an idea of what each feed type is for. I have fed all these brands and have been happy with them.

Starter / Grower Feed

Specifically formulated for baby chicks.
You will feed this all the way until the first egg.

Layer Pellets (I feed my hens this brand)

Layer Feed: This feed is for adult laying hens that are producing eggs. It usually contains higher levels of calcium and other nutrients to support egg production and shell formation. Also available in crumbles, either is suitable for your birds.

Broiler/ Meat Bird

This feed is formulated specifically for meat chickens, also known as broilers. It has higher levels of protein and energy to promote rapid weight gain and muscle development.
I mix this higher protein feed in my Silkies’ feed as they tend to need a bit more protein than other breeds.

Scratch Grains

Scratch grains are a mixture of grains such as corn, wheat, and barley, and are typically fed as a treat or supplement rather than as a complete feed. Scratch should not be the sole source of nutrition.

Organic Feed (Expensive)

Organic chicken feed is made from ingredients that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Medicated Chick Starter

Medicated chicken feed that contains added antibiotics.
I use medicated feed for mail-order chicks for the first week after they arrive.

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10 Essential Tips for Healthy Chickens

Provide a clean and spacious coop: Chickens need a clean and dry living environment to prevent diseases. Regularly clean the coop, remove any droppings, and provide fresh bedding.
Provide fresh food and water: Chickens need access to fresh food and water at all times. Provide them with a balanced diet that includes grains, proteins, and minerals, and make sure they have access to clean water to stay hydrated.
Practice good biosecurity: Implement good biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of diseases. Limit access to your chicken coop, avoid introducing new birds without proper quarantine and testing, and practice good hygiene when handling chickens.
Keep chickens protected from predators: Predators like foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey can pose a threat to your chickens. Make sure your coop is securely fenced and protected with sturdy wire mesh to keep predators out.
Allow chickens to free-range: Giving chickens access to a fenced or enclosed area where they can forage for insects, worms, and greens can improve their overall health and well-being. Free-ranging also helps to prevent boredom and encourages natural behaviors.
Keep the coop well-ventilated: Proper ventilation in the coop is crucial for preventing respiratory issues and reducing ammonia buildup from chicken droppings. Make sure the coop has windows or vents that can be opened to allow fresh air to circulate.
Keep the coop and nesting boxes clean: Regularly clean the coop and nesting boxes to prevent the buildup of droppings, which can attract pests and lead to diseases. Replace soiled bedding with fresh bedding regularly.
Provide dust baths: Chickens love to take dust baths, which help them to clean their feathers and prevent mites and lice. Provide a dry, sandy area in the coop or run for them to take dust baths.
Don’t overcrowd: Make sure the coop is spacious enough to allow chickens to move around freely. At least 2ft. of ground space for each bird is preferred.
Limit Treats: A nutritionally balanced diet is compromised by treats. Treats should never compromise more than 5% of a hen’s dietary intake. This includes healthy foods & supplements, which can replace a portion of essential dietary elements found in manufactured feed.

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Less Waste, No Mess Chicken Feeders

Looking for a Better Way to Feed your Chickens?

Feed waste is expensive, and the biggest reason for it is because chickens tip the feeder and it spills all over the place. These newly designed feeders solve that problem because the birds have to reach inside the feeder to eat.
The feeders I’m showing you below target this problem, and although they’re a bit more pricey, it’s money well spent. Trust me, it’s time to pitch those ol’ fashion hanging feeders, reach a little deeper into your pocket, and join the modern chicken-keeping world. Let’s take a look…

RentACoop Feeder (I use this one)

Package includes (1) 10lb Feeder which can be installed inside or outside of your coop on wood or wire.
Dimensions are 5.5 x 5.5 x 17 Inches
The 10lb Feeder prevents feed spill and is 100% waterproof. The design also deters rodents and wild birds from stealing and contaminating your chicken’s feed.
Comes with all necessary hardware including 2 screws for installing on wood and 2 custom metal hooks for hanging on any type of wire (even 1/2″ hardware cloth)
Suitable for all types of feed – Pellets, Crumbles, Grain and Scratch
For Poultry 12 weeks and older only.
Available on Amazon

KEBONNIXS Port Feeder & Drinker Set

Kebonnixs port feeder and cup waterer has overcome many of the common issues with the traditional metal or plastic chicken feeders or waterers.

The set includes: one cup waterer (2 gallon) and one port feeder(10 lbs), both of which can be installed inside or outside of your coop on wood or wire with using included screws or metal hooks. Available on Amazon

OverEZ Chicken Feeder
For Large Flocks

This chicken feeder is the clean, convenient feeding solution for healthy chickens. Chicken feeder holds 50 lb. of feed and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It features a no-waste design and feeds chickens that are 12 weeks or older. Feeder may be placed inside a coop or outdoors. Sold by Tractor Supply

Got Baby Chicks Spilling Feed Everywhere?

Chick Feeder Dual Port

Chicks must be at least 1 week old to use feeder.
Feed your chickens—not the ground! This 10″ high, mess-free feeder is practically revolutionary for those of us who have been feeding our flocks the old fashioned way.
No-Waste! This innovative feeder solves all the problems of standard feeders. For starters, birds can’t spill their feed—the port design ensures it. Birds have to stick their heads in to eat. Lack of spillage not only keeps the mess to a minimum, but will also save you big bucks in the long run.
Available at My Pet Chicken

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Many more chicken feeder types HERE

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