What To Feed Chickens In Order To Grow Healthy Chickens?

You have come a long way already. You did your
intensive research and already hatched (or
purchased) your chicks. The question that will
require you to think thoroughly this time is
what to feed chickens? You have built the proper
shelter for your flock, with proper temperature,
flooring with pine shavings, platforms and
shaving areas, all specifications followed by
the book. This is one aspect that will require
most money because it involves daily consumption
when raising chickens.

Here is what to feed chickens, enumerated for
easy reference:

1. Commercial feeds - most common type as it is
convenient. They come in forms of pellets
crumbles and mash. The first two are the easiest
to disseminate among a flock. Other caretakers
prefer feeding their small group a mix of grains
named "scratch", also available commercially.
Consider the important needs of age groups.
Chicks need protein for growth while older ones
need starch for maintenance of feathers.

2. Grit - These are small stones, fed to
chickens during winter when grains are scarce
due to its ability to be retained on the gut for
a longer time.

3. Oyster shells - Feed hens with oyster shells
as it is a valuable source of calcium for
stronger egg shells of their chicks.

4. Scraps - These may come in form of fruits and
vegetables. Find out what your flock likes.

5. Treats - Chicken need time outdoors greatly.
Like scraps, let them find what they want to
eat. Some prefer grains, small stones, while
others go for worms.

6. Water - Like humans, chickens need a constant
water supply for hydration. Make sure your water
is potable.

Chickens aren't picky animals when it comes to
food, but if you aim to keep them in good shape
for many years or decide to raise them for their
meat or eggs, then you should carefully consider
their nutrition. Always keep your food and water
dispensers vermin-free, inaccessible to mites and
mice. Have them in bountiful supply nearby for
your chicks' easy access, but be wary of the
bullies as chickens like humans tend to compete
for their survival as well. Some caretakers
prefer giving out rations twice a day to ensure
equal distribution. Generally, on average, a
chicken feeds on four ounces worth of pellets a
day, but it varies depending on what purpose you
are raising them.

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Looking for more tips on what to feed chickens?
Discover everything you need to know and how
easy it is to raise your own chicken. Separate
yourself from the usual chicken owners and avoid
costly mistakes. Go to:
http://www.howtoraisechicken.com

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