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Are you concerned about ever-increasing egg prices in your area? Do you want to raise your own meat birds so you’re less reliant on the chicken you purchase at the grocery store? Do you want to teach your children about how to care for animals responsibly?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, raising your own flock of chickens may be the answer you’re looking for. When you take on the responsibility of raising chickens, you must consider several things before jumping into chicken farming. One of those things to consider is chicken feed, which can be expensive and may only include some of the ingredients necessary for your flock’s specific dietary needs.
Our DIY guide will show you how to make your own feed, which will reduce your reliance on store-bought feed while giving you the confidence that you’re feeding your flock the best feed possible.
How to Make a Homemade Chicken Feed Blend
Making homemade chicken feed may seem challenging initially, but it’s simpler than you might think. You can make the perfect blend for your feathered friends with the ingredients that best benefit your flock. Here’s everything you need to know about creating your flock’s ideal feed for optimal nutrition.
Start with a Base of Whole Grains
To craft a nutritious and cost-effective chicken feed blend, start with a foundation of whole grains, such as wheat, barley, oats, and corn. These energy-rich grains will help keep your chickens full and satisfied. Aim to include 50% of whole grains in your chicken feed mix.
Avoid Using Rye in Your Grain Mixture
For several reasons, it’s important to note that rye is NOT ideal for laying hens to consume under 40 weeks of age. It should not exceed 40% of their diet, though. If fed before 40 weeks of age, it can cause:
- Reduced egg production
- It adds moisture to bird litter, which can cause ammonia problems in your coop.
- Wet and sticky fecal matter that can stain eggs.
- Pasty butt, which occurs when fecal matter gathers around the bird’s vent.
- Can inhibit their ability to digest all of the nutrients in their diet.
- Ergot growth. Ergot is a fungus commonly found in rye. It can be very toxic if present in high quantities.
Add Protein Sources
Chickens need plenty of protein to stay healthy and lay eggs. You can add protein to your chicken feed blend by including soybeans, peas, lentils, and other legumes. Black soldier fly larvae and mealworms are also excellent sources of protein. Ensure your protein source accounts for 25% of your chicken feed mixture.
Include Calcium
Calcium is vital for eggshell production, so it’s essential to include it in your chicken feed blend. Next, add crushed eggshells or oyster shells to your feed mixture or purchase calcium carbonate from a feed store. Make sure that whatever you add accounts for 15% of your mixture.
Don’t Forget About Vitamins and Minerals
Keeping your chickens healthy and productive requires a range of vitamins and minerals for the last 10% of your mixture. You can include these in your feed blend by adding vegetables, fruits, and herbs, like parsley, basil, thyme, kale, spinach, and carrots are great options.
Mix Everything Together
Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to mix everything together. You can mix the ingredients thoroughly inside a large bucket or trash can. Store your chicken feed blend in a dry, cool place away from pests and other wild animals.