What to Feed Chickens For Proper Nutrition If You Want to Raise Healthy Chickens?

You have come a long way already. You did your intensive research and already hatched (or purchased) your chicks. 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. The question that will require you to think thoroughly this time is what to feed chickens? This is one aspect that will require most money because it involves daily consumption when raising chickens.

Here is what to feed chickens if you are planning to raise chickens, enumerated for easy reference in no particular order:

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 chickens.

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