Here Chickie Chicken 🐣🐓🐣👩🏿‍🌾

Bringing new chickens onto your homestead is such an exciting time! When I first started, one of the biggest questions I had was, 'What exactly do I feed these little guys (and gals)?' It can seem overwhelming with all the options out there, but I've learned a lot through trial and error and research, and I'm happy to share what I've found to be the best types of chicken food for a healthy, happy flock. First up, for those adorable little chicks, you absolutely need Chick Starter Feed. This is specifically formulated with high protein (usually 18-24%) and essential nutrients to support their rapid growth and developing immune systems. It comes in a finely ground crumble, perfect for tiny beaks. I always make sure to use a medicated starter if I'm concerned about coccidiosis, or an unmedicated one if my chicks are vaccinated. You'll typically feed this for the first 6-8 weeks. Once your chicks are a bit older, around 8-18 weeks, they transition into their 'teenager' phase. This is when I switch them to Grower Feed. It has a slightly lower protein content (around 16-18%) than starter feed, which helps prevent them from growing too quickly, which can lead to health issues. It still provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals for strong bones and feather development before they start laying eggs. The most common feed for adult hens, especially once they start laying, is Layer Feed. This is typically around 16% protein, but most importantly, it's fortified with extra calcium to support strong eggshells. Without enough calcium, you'll end up with thin, brittle eggs – and nobody wants that! I usually introduce layer feed slowly around 18 weeks, or when I see the first egg. It's crucial to ensure your laying hens get this specialized diet. Beyond these main feeds, there are also Scratch Grains. Now, these are not a complete meal! Think of them as chicken candy – a treat. They're usually a mix of cracked corn, wheat, oats, and other grains. My chickens absolutely go wild for them, especially in winter, as digesting grains helps keep them warm. However, I only offer them in moderation, maybe a small handful per bird once a day, as too much scratch can dilute their essential nutrient intake from their complete feed. Another vital component, especially for laying hens, is Grit and Oyster Shell. Chickens don't have teeth, so they need grit (small, insoluble stones) to help them grind down their food in their gizzard. If your chickens free-range, they might find enough natural grit, but I always provide a separate container of commercial grit just in case. For laying hens, I also offer Oyster Shell in a separate feeder. This provides extra calcium, allowing them to self-regulate their intake based on their laying needs. It's amazing to watch them peck at it when they need that extra boost! Finally, while many homesteaders love to share kitchen scraps, it's important to know what's safe. My flock enjoys leftover cooked pasta, rice, fruits (like berries and melon rinds), and vegetables (like leafy greens and corn cobs). However, I always avoid avocado pits/skins, uncooked potato peels, dried beans, chocolate, and anything moldy or excessively salty. And, of course, freshwater, always available and clean, is perhaps the most critical 'food' of all! Keeping a consistent, high-quality feeding routine has made such a difference in the health and productivity of my homestead flock.