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What to Feed Your Backyard Chickens from Day Old Chicks to Adults

Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding experience that can provide you with fresh, delicious eggs and a fun hobby. But one of the most important aspects of raising chickens is providing them with the right food. What you feed your chickens will affect their health, growth, and egg production.


Day Old Chicks




Day old chicks need a special diet that is high in protein and nutrients. The best food for day old chicks is a commercially prepared chick starter. Chick starter is a complete feed that contains all of the nutrients that chicks need to grow and develop. You can find chick starter at most feed stores.


Growing Chickens



As chicks grow, they will need to switch to a grower feed. Grower feed is a complete feed that contains less protein than chick starter. This is because chicks that are growing do not need as much protein as chicks that are developing. You can find grower feed at most feed stores.


Laying Hens



When chickens reach maturity, they will start to lay eggs. Laying hens need a special diet that is high in calcium. The best food for laying hens is a commercially prepared layer feed. Layer feed is a complete feed that contains all of the nutrients that laying hens need to produce eggs. You can find layer feed at most feed stores.


Other Foods



In addition to commercially prepared feed, you can also give your chickens other foods. Some good choices include fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can also give your chickens table scraps, but be sure that they are not greasy or fatty.


Tips for Feeding Your Chickens

  • Feed your chickens twice a day.

  • Make sure that your chickens have access to fresh water at all times.

  • Do not overfeed your chickens.

  • Store feed in a cool, dry place.

  • Keep your chicken coop clean and free of pests.

  • Provide your chickens with plenty of exercise.


By following these tips, you can help ensure that your chickens stay healthy and productive.


Conclusion

Raising backyard chickens is a great way to provide your family with fresh, delicious eggs. By feeding your chickens the right food, you can help ensure that they stay healthy and productive.


Additional Resources


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