How to Make Your Own Homemade Chicken Feed | Recipes and Tips

Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re looking for fresh eggs, sustainable farming practices, or just the joy of having these feathered friends around. A crucial aspect of chicken care is providing the right feed to keep them healthy, productive, and happy. While commercial chicken feed is convenient, many chicken keepers are exploring DIY feed options. Making your own chicken feed can save money, allow you to control the quality of ingredients, and ensure your chickens get a diet tailored to their specific needs. 

This guide provides detailed recipes and instructions for creating homemade chicken feed, with options to suit various breeds, life stages, and nutritional requirements.

Why Make Your Own Chicken Feed?

Cost-Effectiveness

Commercial feed can be expensive, especially if you have a large flock. Making your own feed allows you to buy ingredients in bulk, saving money in the long run.

Control Over Ingredients

DIY feed gives you the ability to avoid unnecessary additives, pesticides, or genetically modified ingredients. You can opt for organic grains and local produce, ensuring the highest quality for your chickens.

Customization

Chickens have different nutritional needs based on their breed, age, and purpose (e.g., egg-laying vs. meat production). Homemade feed allows you to tailor the diet to meet these specific requirements.

Sustainability

Using local grains, garden produce, and kitchen scraps can reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Basic Nutritional Needs of Chickens

Before diving into recipes, it’s important to understand the basic nutritional components that chickens need:

• Grains: Corn, wheat, barley, and oats are common grains that provide the energy chickens need.
• Protein: Soybeans, peas, fish meal, and mealworms are excellent sources of protein, which is crucial for growth and egg production.
• Calcium: Oyster shells, eggshells, and limestone are important for laying hens to produce strong eggshells.
• Fats: Fats and oils, such as those found in sunflower seeds and flaxseeds, provide essential fatty acids for feather health and energy.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Chickens need a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals, often found in fresh vegetables, fruits, and specially formulated supplements.

DIY Chicken Feed Recipes

1. Basic Layer Feed for Egg-Laying Hens

This recipe is designed for hens that are actively laying eggs. It provides a balanced mix of protein, energy, and calcium to support egg production.

Ingredients:

• 4 parts cracked corn
• 2 parts whole wheat
• 2 parts soybean meal or peas
• 1 part alfalfa meal
• 1 part oyster shells or crushed eggshells (for calcium)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large container, such as a 32-gallon trash can.
2. Stir well to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
3. Offer this feed to your hens daily, along with access to fresh water and oyster shells for additional calcium if needed.

Optional Additions:

• 1 part sunflower seeds (for added fat and protein)
• 1 part flaxseeds (for omega-3 fatty acids)

2. High-Protein Broiler Feed

Broilers, or meat chickens, require a high-protein diet to support rapid growth. This recipe provides the necessary nutrients for healthy and efficient weight gain.

Ingredients:

• 3 parts cracked corn
• 2 parts whole wheat
• 2 parts soybean meal or fish meal
• 1 part alfalfa meal
• 1 part millet or barley

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large container and mix thoroughly.
2. Feed this mix to your broilers from 4 weeks of age until they reach slaughter weight.
3. Supplement with fresh greens and vegetables to provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Optional Additions:

• 1 part sunflower seeds (for added fat)
• 1 part cooked beans or lentils (for additional protein)

3. Starter Feed for Chicks

Chicks have different nutritional needs than adult chickens, especially in terms of protein, which is crucial for their rapid growth and development.

Ingredients:

• 4 parts cracked corn or finely ground cornmeal
• 3 parts soybean meal or fish meal
• 2 parts rolled oats
• 1 part alfalfa meal
• 1 part dried milk powder (for calcium and protein)

Instructions:

1. Grind the grains and meal if necessary to create a finer texture suitable for chicks.
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large container.
3. Feed to chicks from day one to eight weeks of age, ensuring they have access to fresh water at all times.

Optional Additions:

• 1 part finely chopped greens or herbs (for vitamins and minerals)
• 1 part flaxseeds (for omega-3 fatty acids)

4. Molting and Winter Feed

During molting or the winter months, chickens need a diet higher in protein and fat to support feather regrowth and maintain body heat.

Ingredients:

• 3 parts cracked corn
• 2 parts whole wheat
• 2 parts soybean meal or mealworms
• 1 part sunflower seeds
• 1 part oats
• 1 part alfalfa meal

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large container.
2. Offer this feed to your flock during the molting season or throughout the winter.
3. Provide additional treats like cooked eggs or meat scraps for extra protein.

Optional Additions:

• 1 part flaxseeds (for added fat and omega-3s)
• 1 part dried seaweed (for iodine and minerals)

5. Organic and Non-GMO Feed

For those interested in providing an organic, non-GMO diet for their chickens, this recipe uses ingredients that are commonly available in organic form.

Ingredients:

• 4 parts organic cracked corn
• 2 parts organic whole wheat
• 2 parts organic soybean meal or peas
• 1 part organic oats
• 1 part organic alfalfa meal
• 1 part organic oyster shells or eggshells (for calcium)

Instructions:

1. Combine all organic ingredients in a large container and mix well.
2. Store in a cool, dry place and use as needed.
3. Supplement with organic kitchen scraps and garden greens to enhance their diet.

Optional Additions:

• 1 part organic sunflower seeds (for fat and protein)
• 1 part organic flaxseeds (for omega-3 fatty acids)

6. Basic Grain Mix

Ingredients:

• 3 parts cracked corn
• 2 parts whole wheat
• 2 parts soy meal
• 1 part millet
• Optional: 1 part sunflower seeds or oats

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large container, such as a 32-gallon trash can with a lid.
• Offer this mix as the primary feed, supplemented with oyster shells or eggshells for calcium.
• You can also provide kitchen scraps, garden weeds, and insects as additional treats.

7. High-Protein Mix

Ingredients:

• 2 parts cracked soybeans
• 2 parts cracked corn
• 1 part whole wheat
• 1 part barley
• 1 part boiled beef liver (optional, for added protein)
• 1 part alfalfa seeds
• 1 part rice
• 1 part regular layer feed

Instructions:

• Soak the seeds (soybeans, wheat, barley, alfalfa) for 2 hours before mixing.
• Mix all ingredients together in a large container.
• Use this mix for chickens that need a higher protein intake, such as laying hens or during molting season.
• If using boiled beef liver, limit the quantity and omit for prolonged use to avoid excess iron intake.

8. Vegetarian Layer Feed

Ingredients:

• 2 parts whole grains (corn, wheat, barley)
• 1 part alfalfa meal or dried alfalfa
• 1 part sunflower seeds
• 1 part soy meal or peas for protein
• 1 part oats

Instructions:

• Combine all the dry ingredients in a large container.
• This mix is ideal for those who prefer to avoid animal products in their chicken feed.
• Supplement with crushed eggshells or oyster shells for calcium.

9. Scratch Feed with Extras

Ingredients:

• 1 part cracked corn
• 1 part whole wheat
• 1 part sunflower seeds
• 1 part oats
• Optional: Add dried mealworms for extra protein

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients in a container.
• Use this as a supplement to regular feed or as a treat for free-ranging chickens.
• Scatter the scratch feed in areas where you want your chickens to forage and help control pests.

10. Forage-Boosted Feed

Ingredients:

• 2 parts cracked corn
• 2 parts whole wheat
• 1 part millet
• 1 part soy meal
• Fresh weeds, wildflowers, and kitchen scraps

Instructions:

• Mix the grains and soy meal in a container.
• Supplement daily with fresh forage such as weeds, wildflowers, and vegetable scraps.
• This feed mix works well for chickens that are also free-ranging and foraging for additional nutrition.

11. Sunflower and Seed Mix

Ingredients:

• 2 parts cracked corn
• 1 part whole wheat
• 1 part sunflower seeds
• 1 part millet
• 1 part alfalfa seeds

Instructions:

• Mix the ingredients in a large container.
• This mix is rich in seeds and ideal for chickens that enjoy pecking at different textures.
• Add crushed eggshells or oyster shells for calcium as needed.

These recipes offer a variety of options for feeding chickens, allowing you to tailor the feed based on their specific needs and the ingredients available to you. Remember to monitor your chickens’ health and egg production, adjusting the feed as necessary to ensure they are getting a balanced diet.

Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Feed

1. Start Small: If you’re new to making your own chicken feed, start with a small batch and observe how your chickens respond. Gradually increase the batch size as you become more comfortable with the process.
2. Monitor Health: Pay close attention to your chickens’ health and egg production. If you notice any issues such as reduced egg laying, lethargy, or changes in behaviour, you may need to adjust the feed recipe.
3. Supplement with Grit: Chickens need grit to help digest their food, especially when fed whole grains. Provide access to free-choice grit to aid in digestion.
4. Store Properly: Homemade feed should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. Consider using airtight containers to keep the feed fresh and free from pests.
5. Diversify the Diet: While these recipes provide a solid nutritional base, chickens also benefit from a diverse diet. Supplement their feed with fresh vegetables, fruits, and access to pasture whenever possible.
6. Adjust for Seasons: Chickens’ nutritional needs can vary with the seasons. In the winter, they may require more energy-dense foods to stay warm, while in the summer, lighter feeds with more greens can be beneficial.

   Answering some Queries Here

Q. Is it Cheaper to Make Your Own Chicken Feed?

A. Yes, making your own chicken feed can be cheaper, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk or grow them yourself. However, consider the time and effort required to mix a balanced diet.

Q. What Ingredients Should Be in Chicken Feed?

A. Key ingredients include:

• Cereals/Grains: Corn, wheat, barley
• Protein Sources: Soybean meal, fish meal
• Vitamins/Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, D, E
• Fats/Oils: Animal fat, vegetable oil
• Fiber: Alfalfa meal
• Additives: Probiotics, enzymes

Q. What Is the Cheapest Way to Feed Chickens?

A. The cheapest methods include:

• Free-Range Foraging: Let chickens find insects and seeds.
• Kitchen Scraps: Safely use leftover vegetables and grains.
• Grow Your Own Feed: Cultivate grains and legumes.

Q. What to Avoid in Chicken Feed?

A. Certain ingredients should be avoided in chicken feed as they can be harmful:

1. Moldy or Spoiled Grains: These can contain mycotoxins that are toxic to chickens.
2. Raw Beans: Uncooked beans, especially kidney beans, contain lectins that are toxic to chickens.
3. Excessive Salt and Sugar: High levels of salt and sugar can lead to health issues such as kidney damage.
4. Avocado: The skin and pit contain persin, which is toxic to chickens.
5. Onions and Garlic: In large quantities, these can cause anemia by damaging red blood cells.

Q. What Is the Best Formula for Chicken Feed? 

 A. A balanced formula might include:

• 50-60% Grains: Corn, wheat
• 20-30% Protein: Soybean meal, fish meal
• 5-10% Fiber: Alfalfa meal
• 3-5% Fats/Oils: Animal fat
• 2-3% Vitamins/Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus

Adjust the proportions based on the specific needs of your flock and the ingredients available to you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your own homemade chicken feed is a fulfilling and practical way to ensure your flock receives the best nutrition tailored to their specific needs. By taking control of the ingredients, you can create a cost-effective, high-quality feed that supports the health, productivity, and happiness of your chickens. Whether you’re raising layers, broilers, or chicks, the recipes provided in this guide offer a variety of options to meet the dietary requirements of different breeds and life stages.

As you venture into the world of DIY chicken feed, start small, monitor your flock’s health, and make adjustments as needed. Remember to supplement with fresh vegetables, fruits, and grit to provide a well-rounded diet. By customizing your chickens’ feed and incorporating seasonal adjustments, you’re not only enhancing their well-being but also contributing to more sustainable farming practices. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can provide your chickens with nutritious, homemade feed that will keep them thriving all year round.