DIY Nutritional & Affordable Chicken Feed Recipe! (2024)

Depending on your flocks needs, whether you are raising chickens for eggs or for meat, I want to teach you how to make your own nutritional and affordable chicken feed.

Keeping chickens can be a fulfilling and sustainable endeavor, whether you are raising them for fresh eggs or meat. However, the cost of commercial chicken feed can add up over time, especially if you have a large flock. Fortunately, making your own chicken feed is not only cheaper, but also allows you to tailor the ingredients to meet the specific needs of your chickens. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make your own chicken feed recipe that promotes optimal health and productivity for your feathered friends.

Step 1: What Do Your Chickens Need

Understand Your Chickens’ Nutritional Needs

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to understand the nutritional requirements of your chickens. Egg-laying hens, for example, require a diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins and minerals to support egg production. Meat chickens, on the other hand benefit from a high-protein diet to promote rapid growth and muscle development.

Step 2: Buying The Grains

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Now, let’s explore the ingredients for our chicken feed recipe and their respective benefits:

• Soybean Meal (30%): Soybean meal is a rich source of protein, making it an essential component of chicken feed, especially for egg-laying hens. This is added because protein is crucial for egg production and overall muscle development in chickens.
• Whole corn (25%): Whole corn provides carbohydrates and energy to chickens, helping to sustain their activity levels and promote healthy growth. This is added because corn is a cost-effective grain.
• Whole Wheat (20%): Whole wheat adds additional carbohydrates and fiber to the feed, supporting digestion and overall gut health in chickens. This is added to include a variety of different grains in the feed to ensure a balanced diet and prevents nutritional deficiencies.
• Barley (15%): Barley is another nutritious grain that offers carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals to chickens. This grain is added to help diversify the feed and provides valuable nutrient for optimal chicken health.
• Milo (10%): Milo, also known as sorghum, is a drought-tolerant grain that provides energy and nutrients to chickens. Adding Milo to the feed mix enhances its nutritional profile and ensures a well-rounded diet for your flock.
• Cow Peas (5%): Cow peas are a valuable source of protein and amino acids, supporting muscle development and overall health in chickens. Incorporating Legumes like cow peas into the feed boosts its protein content and promotes optimal growth and productivity.
• Cinnamon and Red Pepper Flakes (1% each): Cinnamon and red pepper flakes provide natural flavor and potential health benefits for chickens. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that may help prevent infections in chickens, while red pepper flakes can stimulate circulation and improve digestion.

See Also

Alternatives to Oatmeal for Chickens

Step 3: Make the Feed

Mixing, Preparation, and Storing

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to mix them together to create your homemade chicken feed. Use a large container or bucket to combine the grains and additives thoroughly. Store the feed in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Tips and Tricks for Feeding Your Chickens

In Addition to the chicken feed recipe, here are a few tips and tricks to enhance the health and productivity of your flock:

• Fermentation Method: Soaking the feed in water for a few days through a fermentation process can increase its nutritional value and digestibility for chickens. Fermented feed is easier for chickens to digest and may improve their overall health and egg production.
• Incorporate Microgreens: Adding leftover microgreens from your garden or kitchen to your chickens’ diet provides additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Microgreens are nutrient-dense and can supplement the nutritional content of homemade chicken feed, promoting optimal health and vitality.
• Rotate Pasture Access: Allowing your chickens to free-range in a pasture or garden area not only provides them with fresh greens and insects but also helps to naturally fertilize the soil. Rotating pasture access prevents overgrazing and ensures a diverse diet for your chickens, resulting in healthier eggs and meat.

Making your own chicken feed is a cost-effective and rewarding way to ensure the health and well-being of your flock. By following this recipe and incorporating tips and tricks for feeding your chickens, you can provide nutritious and delicious meals that support optimal egg production, growth, and overall vitality. So roll up your sleeves, mix up a batch of homemade feed, and watch your chickens thrive!