A Nutritious Chicken Feed Recipe
A Nutritious Chicken Feed Recipe
A Nutritious Chicken Feed Recipe
This nutritious chicken feed recipe is one of MANY online recipe options! Like anything, there is so much to research and many available ingredients to mix. This recipe works well for my flock. I’ll list other sources at the bottom of this post so you can see a variety of how people mix their chicken feed.
Whether it is to monitor the ingredients, be budget friendly, or keep feed longer, mixing your own feed may be a great option for you. This particular recipe is what I am using going into the winter. Probably, I’ll tweak this recipe a bit or create another option come springtime. This mixture seems to have not only protein but a good amount of carbs as well.
Learning to mix my first batch of feed came from this video by Sawyer Farm. I love this recipe and video because they take care to show the protein analysis along with a very easy recipe. In addition, they get their ingredients from Azure Standard, who I cannot recommend enough! I went ahead and broke down this recipe to a small weight since I only have 6 chickens. (I believe this Sawyer Farm has a LOT more chickens than I do!) This particular recipe has wheat included, but I do not always use wheat. Most importantly, a point to remember with mixing chicken food for laying hens is that they need protein. It is recommended that chickens receive 16% protein at least.
The mixed chicken feed stores nicely in this large tote.
Ingredients
2c oat groats
4c of corn (I prefer whole, but coarse ground is great too. I’ll talk more about that later in the fermenting blog.)
1 c of split peas
1 c of millet
1/4 c of kelp granules
1 c of flax
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oyster shell as the chickens want it
grit (granite) as the chickens want it
great mealworm for treats and extra nutrition
Mix together all except the oyster shell and grit. That’s it. Unless… you want to take it to the next step. This next step is a little extra work. It is fermenting. Similar to what I’ve talked about with people food! Now, not all people will want to take this extra step because it involves steps and a little planning. More on this, on the next blog and I’ll link it here.
Last thoughts about his Nutritious Chicken Feed Recipe
Like us, chickens need water, carbohydrates, fats and protein. If possible, I try to let my chickens roam the yard to get optimal nutrition that comes from bugs and seeds. Therefore, when it comes to making their feed, it’s a good idea to mimic nature.
In addition to protein for the chickens (see below) sunflower seeds for example also contain fats. Corn contains some protein, but also contain a good amount of carbs.
Protein Analysis (from Sawyer Farm):
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds – 26% protein (40 lbs = 10.4% protein)
Whole Corn – 9% protein (40 lbs = 3.6% protein)
Whole Oats – 15% protein (40 lbs = 6% protein)
Flax Seed – 37% protein (5 lbs = 1.85% protein)
Millet – 9% protein (5 lbs = .45% protein) =22.3% protein
If you use wheat, Azure’s chicken wheat has 11-15% protein.
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Duet 28:2-4
Shopping List for all things chicken related
These are some resources that we are using:
Where to keep the chicks when you first get them!
Cashton Farm Supply for feed and more
Grow from seed any plants to feed the chickens!
A great resource for leaning about chickens and all other aspects of homestead living!
Heated water bucket for norther winters!
Growing resources
Great website for other recipe mixes
Here is a great place to order seeds.
Strainer Lids for jars (Sprouting)
Another option for straining (Sprouting)
Trays for growing Microgreens with Domes
A Kit if you would rather have everything together
Good resource for explaining and growing sprouts versus microgreens
Another great resource for information
Best site for buying seeds: High Mowing Seeds- Microgreens
Other Equipment you might like:
Gardening gloves (these are awesome)
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By reading this website, you agree that the information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure illnesses or diseases. This website does not replace medical or veterinary advice by a licensed veterinarian. LifeintheGreen.House is not a licensed vet.
Whether it is to monitor the ingredients, be budget friendly, or keep feed longer, mixing your own chicken feed may be a great option for you!