Did you know that your chickens are omnivores? So basically this means that they will eat anything that you throw at them, or at least try to. Veggies, fruits, grass, flowers and bugs are usually what they peck at. But which are the right foods for them? What they should eat, and what they should avoid? Whatever you choose, make sure you are meeting all nutritional requirements, or the number of eggs laid may disappoint you.
Hen Pellets
Hen pellets or crumbles are a great choice for your hens because they contain proteins and other nutrients in recommended quantities. Thus, a large part of your chicken’s diet should compose of these pellets, and you should be providing them in ample quantities throughout the day.
Ideally, your chickens should have their crops full at night. When they are sleeping, the egg is built upon nutrients extracted from the digested food. Thus, if her tract is empty, she would not be able to lay the egg. Your chickens will normally take around 25 hours to create a single egg.
Oyster Shells
The commercial feed already contains calcium in sufficient amounts, but you should be providing this mineral through other sources as well, the best of which are oyster shells. Thee calcium in these shells can easily be absorbed by your chickens.
Grit
Your chickens need grit, the tiny rocks, to easily grind food. If they don’t consume this, the process of digestions slows down. Your hens then cannot absorb nutrients from the feed in an effective manner. Just like the feed, provide both oyster and grits in ample amounts.
Veggies and Scraps from the Kitchen
Bring some variety in your chickens’ diet by offering them other food substances as well. Green veggies are highly recommended if you want your flock to be healthy. If possible, breed your chickens free-range so that they can eat whatever they want.
You can also give your hens some leftovers from the kitchen. Coffee, stale toast, beans, they will simply eat about anything. While at it, make sure that you are not giving them too many carbohydrates because that can make them grow fat. Other recommended food items include weeds and garden waste.
Water
Provide your chicken with fresh water; make sure they have a clean supply. Always keep the water a little higher from the ground so that it remains cleans. Also make sure you are cleaning this spot as well when you clean the coop.
If you live in cold regions, then water may freeze. In such a case, you can either replace water several times a day or place a drinker heater next to it so that it does not turn to ice.
During the summer, give your chickens more water to ensure their health. Without it, they can overheat.
