Welcome back to my final chook chat. This week we’re looking into chicken feed.
When it comes to chickens, not all feeds are created equal. A good quality feed can make a huge difference to your flock’s health, egg production, feather condition, and overall wellbeing.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the variety available: pellets, crumbles, mash, grain mixes, and specialty blends. Pellets are popular because they’re balanced and prevent chickens from picking out only their favourite bits, while grain mixes can encourage more natural scratching and foraging behaviour. Some owners like to use a mix of both.
A good poultry feed should contain quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and for laying hens, enough calcium to support strong eggshells. If hens aren’t getting the nutrition they need, it often shows up quickly, poor laying, weak shells, or scruffy feathers.
It’s also important to feed for the stage of life your birds are in. Chicks need a high-protein starter feed to support growth, while pullets (teenage chickens) need a feed suited to developing birds. Laying hens require extra calcium and balanced nutrition for egg production, and meat birds have their own specific requirements. Matching feed to life stage really does make a difference.
Of course, chickens also love food scraps, and many backyard flocks happily help clean up leftovers. Leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, rice, pasta, and bread in moderation are all common treats. However, there are a few things chickens should never have, including mouldy food, avocado, chocolate, onion, raw potatoes and overly salty or processed foods.
Fresh, clean water is just as important as feed, especially over the warmer months. A chicken will stop laying much faster without water than without feed.
Feeding chickens could be a great little chore for the kids, with adult supervision of course. It’s a simple way to help them learn responsibility while spending time with the flock. Using practical feeder and watering systems, like Grandpa feeders, can make day-to-day care a lot easier and more efficient, especially for busy households or larger flocks.
At the end of the day, feeding chickens doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with a good quality feed and add a few healthy extras, and you’ll usually keep your flock happy, healthy, and productive.
Thanks for following along with Chook Chat over the past few weeks. I hope it’s helped make the world of backyard chickens feel a little less daunting and a lot more achievable. If you’re new to chickens or just have questions, feel free to call in and see me at MB Meadow Munchers, 1 Moewai Road, Whitianga. I’m always happy to chat or point you in the right direction.
And last but not least, thank you to Pauline and the Informer for the opportunity to share some chicken wisdom with our community.
