10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Chickens

Feeding chickens may seem simple, but there are several common mistakes that new and experienced chicken keepers often make. Proper feeding is crucial to maintaining a healthy flock, ensuring optimal egg production, and preventing diseases. This article will cover everything you need to know about feeding chickens, including common mistakes to avoid, what you should never feed your chickens, how to properly feed them, and the consequences of overfeeding. By the end of this guide, you'll be better equipped to keep your chickens healthy and productive.

Mistakes that New Chicken Keepers Make and How to Avoid Them

Are you a new chicken keeper? Congratulations! We just love our feathered family and know that you will love keeping chickens too. But getting chickens for the first time can be a steep learning curve. There is a lot to learn and plenty of mistakes to make. We've been working with backyard chicken keepers for over 10 years, and the problems we help new chicken keepers solve are almost always the same. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Make chicken keeping easier by avoiding these 10 common mistakes that we see new chicken keepers make, and you will have happier, healthier, and more productive hens.

1. Grain Mix

A grain mix may look appealing, like a muesli bowl for your chickens, but it's one of the worst choices you can make for laying hens. While the variety in a grain mix might seem like a treat, chickens often pick out only the ingredients they like and leave the rest behind. This selective eating results in an unbalanced diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies that can affect their health and egg production. Moreover, the spilled and wasted feed can attract unwanted pests like rats, which can bring diseases into your coop. Instead, opt for a complete pellet feed or mash that ensures your chickens receive the right balance of nutrients every time they eat. Investing in high-quality feed from the start can save you from dealing with health issues and decreased productivity down the line.

2. Skimping on Feed

Many new chicken keepers try to cut costs by skimping on feed, either by limiting access to it, bulking it out with cheaper grains, or even attempting to make their own. While this might seem like a good way to save money, it can actually be detrimental to your flock's health. Chickens require a balanced diet to lay consistently and stay healthy, and commercial feeds are formulated to provide exactly what they need. Any changes to their diet can upset this balance, making them more susceptible to parasites, diseases, and lower egg production. Remember, feeding your chickens properly is an investment in their health and productivity. In the long run, you’ll find that spending a little more on quality feed actually saves you money by avoiding the costs associated with poor health and reduced egg output.

3. Too Many Scraps and Treats

It’s tempting to turn your kitchen scraps into fresh eggs by feeding them to your chickens, but too many scraps can do more harm than good. While it's fine to give your chickens occasional treats, their diet should be primarily made up of a complete layer feed to ensure they get the necessary nutrients. Excessive scraps can dilute these nutrients, leading to deficiencies that can manifest in poor health, obesity, and decreased egg production. Additionally, certain scraps, like those high in sugar, salt, or empty carbohydrates, can be particularly harmful. To keep your chickens healthy, limit treats to no more than 10% of their diet and avoid feeding them anything that could attract pests or cause harm.

4. Round Roosts

Chickens have evolved to roost in trees, and their feet are designed to rest comfortably on broad, flat surfaces rather than curling around thin, round perches like broomsticks. If your coop is equipped with round roosts, your chickens may use them out of necessity, but these are not ideal for their foot health. Thin, round roosts can lead to discomfort, foot, leg, and bone issues over time. To provide a more natural and comfortable roosting environment, opt for solid, flat-topped roosts made from 2x4s or thick tree branches. These will allow your chickens to rest their feet flat, with just the toes curling around the edges, mimicking the natural branches they would choose in the wild.

5. Washing Eggs

Eggs naturally come with a protective coating called the bloom, which prevents bacteria from entering the shell. Washing eggs removes this protective layer, making the egg more susceptible to contamination and spoilage. In fact, using cold water or running eggs under a tap can even draw bacteria into the egg through the pores in the shell. To ensure your eggs stay fresh and safe to eat, avoid washing clean eggs. If an egg is dirty, try to remove the dirt with a dry or slightly moistened paper towel. Washed eggs should be stored in the fridge and used as soon as possible to minimize the risk of spoilage.

6. Forgetting the Shell Grit

Shell grit is crucial for the health and productivity of your laying hens. It serves a dual purpose: the grit aids in digestion by helping grind down food in the gizzard, while the calcium content is essential for strong eggshell production. Without enough calcium, hens can develop deficiencies that lead to weak bones and poor-quality eggs. Once your hens reach the point of lay, make sure they have free access to shell grit at all times. However, never mix the shell grit with their feed, let them take it as they need it. Chickens instinctively know how much grit they need, so trust them to regulate their intake to maintain optimal health.

7. Cleaning a Dry Coop Without a Mask

Cleaning a chicken coop can be a dusty job, especially when dealing with dry poop. What many new chicken keepers don’t realize is that the dust from dried bird droppings can be harmful if inhaled. This dust can carry bacteria and other pathogens that might cause respiratory issues, not just for your chickens but for you as well. To minimize the risk, it’s important to dampen the coop before cleaning to reduce dust, and always wear a mask to protect your lungs. Not only will this practice keep you safer, but damp bedding also breaks down better in the compost, making the cleaning process more efficient.

8. Dirty Feed and Water

Maintaining clean feed and water is essential to keeping your chickens healthy. Dirty feed and water are breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites, which can quickly spread through your flock and cause serious health issues. It's not uncommon to see chickens scatter feed on the ground or even scratch it out of poorly designed feeders, leading to contamination. Investing in a well-designed feeder that keeps the feed off the ground can prevent this problem. Additionally, waterers should be enclosed, with a nipple or cup opening to prevent chickens from contaminating their water with dirt or droppings. Regularly clean and refill your chickens' water supply to ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water.

9. Leaving Feed on the Floor

Leaving feed on the floor is one of the most common mistakes that attract rodents to chicken coops. Rodents are opportunistic and will quickly set up residence in any place that offers a reliable food source. Once they’ve found your coop, they can be incredibly difficult to remove and can bring diseases that endanger your flock. To avoid this, it’s important to develop good habits from the start. Never leave feed on the floor, especially overnight, and clean up any spilled feed immediately. Investing in a feeder that keeps feed contained, such as a Dine a Chook Feeder, can help ensure that your chickens are fed without leaving food accessible to rodents.

10. Not Quarantining New Birds

Bringing new birds into your flock is exciting, but it also poses a significant risk if you don’t take the proper precautions. New birds can introduce diseases to your existing flock, leading to illness and even death. Quarantining new birds for at least two weeks, though a month is preferable, allows you to observe them for any signs of illness before they mingle with your other chickens. While maintaining a separate quarantine pen may seem inconvenient, it’s a crucial step in protecting the health of your entire flock. The heartbreak of losing birds due to an avoidable disease outbreak is something no chicken keeper wants to experience.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your chicken-keeping experience is both rewarding and successful. Your hens will be healthier, happier, and more productive, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of keeping chickens without the usual pitfalls.

What Should You Never Feed Your Chickens?

Certain foods can be harmful or even deadly to chickens. It's important to know what to avoid:

Common Kitchen Scraps to Avoid

Avoid feeding chickens chocolate, avocado, raw potato peels, onions, garlic, and anything moldy. These foods contain toxins or harmful compounds that can cause serious health issues or even death in chickens.

Foods That Can Harm Chickens

Citrus fruits, dried or raw beans, and foods high in salt or sugar should be avoided. These can cause digestive problems, toxicity, or nutritional imbalances that harm your chickens' health.

Why Certain Foods Are Bad for Chickens

Chickens have sensitive digestive systems, and certain foods can lead to toxicity, nutritional imbalances, or digestive issues. It’s safer to stick to chicken-safe foods to keep your flock healthy.

How to Properly Feed Chickens

Feeding chickens a balanced diet is essential for their health and productivity:

Guide to Feeding a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet includes a complete feed with necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Supplement with oyster shells for calcium and grit for digestion, but don’t replace their primary feed.

Best Chicken Feed Options for Your Flock

Choose commercial feed suited to your chickens' age and purpose. Layer feed for laying hens, grower feed for young chickens, and starter feed for chicks ensure they get the right nutrients.

Feeding Schedule for Backyard Chickens

Establish a consistent feeding schedule, offering feed in the morning and evening. Freshwater should always be available, and treats should be given sparingly to maintain healthy eating habits.

What Are the Consequences of Overfeeding Chickens?

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which has several negative effects:

Signs of Obesity in Chickens

Obese chickens may have difficulty walking, reduced egg production, and are at risk for fatty liver disease. Regularly monitoring their weight can help prevent these health issues.

Impact on Egg Production

Excess weight can interfere with a hen’s reproductive system, leading to fewer and lower-quality eggs. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for consistent egg production.

How to Manage Portion Sizes

To prevent overfeeding, provide a measured amount of feed based on the number of chickens. Regularly check their weight and adjust portions as needed to keep them healthy.

Benefits of Right Chicken Feed

Feeding chickens the right feed has numerous benefits, including:

Improved Egg Production

A balanced diet helps hens lay more consistently and produce stronger eggs. Proper nutrition supports the reproductive system and enhances the overall quality of the eggs.

Better Health and Longevity

Proper nutrition reduces the risk of disease and extends the lifespan of your chickens. A well-balanced diet supports their immune system and overall well-being.

Stronger Immune System

Well-fed chickens have a stronger immune system, making them better equipped to fight off infections. A balanced diet helps maintain their health and resilience.

How Often Should You Feed Your Chickens?

Feeding frequency depends on the age and purpose of your chickens:

Daily Feeding Routines

Feed adult chickens twice daily—morning and evening. This routine helps them develop healthy eating habits and ensures they get the nutrients needed for productivity.

Adjusting Feed for Different Ages of Chickens

Younger chickens need more frequent feedings with diet adjustments as they grow. Each life stage requires specific nutrients to support healthy development.

Considerations for Free-Range vs. Confined Chickens

Free-range chickens may require less feed as they forage, but still need balanced feed. Confined chickens rely entirely on provided feed, so ensure it meets all their nutritional needs.

What Are Common Mistakes Chicken Keepers Make?

Here are some additional mistakes that chicken keepers often make:

Not Providing Enough Variety in Chicken Feed

Chickens need a varied diet to meet all their nutritional needs. While commercial feed is essential, supplementing with greens, fruits, and insects provides essential nutrients and keeps chickens healthy.

Ignoring the Nutritional Needs of Your Flock

Different chickens have different nutritional requirements based on age and purpose. Choosing the right feed tailored to these needs ensures optimal growth, health, and productivity in your flock.

Forgetting About Seasonal Feeding Adjustments

Chickens' nutritional needs vary with the seasons. They may require energy-rich foods in winter for warmth and more hydration in summer to stay cool and maintain their health.

How to Choose the Right Chicken Feed?

Choosing the right feed is critical for your flock’s health:

Understanding Commercial Feed Options

 There are different types of commercial feed, including layer feed, grower feed, and starter feed. Each type is formulated for a specific stage of a chicken’s life.

Choosing Between Layer Feed and Grower Feed

 Layer feed is designed for laying hens and contains extra calcium, while grower feed is suitable for younger chickens and has a balanced nutrient profile for growth.

Benefits of Organic vs. Non-Organic Feed

Organic feed is free from synthetic chemicals and is often made with non-GMO ingredients. While it’s more expensive, many chicken keepers prefer it for its natural benefits.

By avoiding common mistakes and choosing the right feed, you can ensure that your chickens stay healthy, happy, and productive. Proper feeding practices are the cornerstone of successful chicken keeping, and by following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving flock.

Conclusion

Feeding chickens effectively involves more than just providing food—it's about understanding their nutritional needs and avoiding common pitfalls. From choosing the right feed and maintaining proper hygiene to recognizing and preventing overfeeding, these practices are crucial for ensuring your flock's health and productivity. By avoiding the common mistakes highlighted in this guide, such as over-relying on grain mixes or neglecting seasonal feed adjustments, and making informed choices about their diet, you’ll support your chickens in leading healthy, productive lives. Implementing these best practices will not only improve egg production and overall well-being but also make your chicken-keeping experience more rewarding and successful.