Episode 13 - Chicken Nutrition

Nutrition for Backyard Chickens Balanced feed: I know a lot of people who are homesteading like the idea of making their own chicken feed, and indeed I think you could provide supplemental feed for chickens from homegrown produce. However, that being said, commercially formulated, balanced chicken feed will always meet the nutritional needs of your flock. And as we will discuss later it's the vitamin and minerals that need to be included to ensure abundant egg-laying. Protein requirements: Chickens need a sufficient amount of protein in their diet, particularly when they are growing or laying eggs. Baby chicks have special dietary requirements but from 6-7 weeks onwards they need 17-18% protein, and laying hens need around 16%. During a moult or wintertime, they can be fed a diet of up to 20% protein. Calcium for eggshell production: Calcium is crucial for strong eggshell formation, so make sure to provide a calcium source such as crushed oyster shells or calcium supplements. Grit for digestion: Chickens don't have teeth, so they need grit (small rocks or commercial grit products) to help them grind and digest their food properly. There are two types of poultry grit: oyster shell grit and flint grit. Oystershell grit is a type of calcium that helps make eggshells stronger. Insoluble grit, also known as flint grit, helps chickens with digestion. You can purchase this with both types of grit premixed. Freshwater: Ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water for your chickens. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Drip feeders with stay cleaner but you need to ensure they are always working. Appropriate treats: While treats can be given in moderation, avoid excessive feeding of sugary, fatty, or processed foods. Stick to healthy treats like fruits, vegetables, and mealworms. If you want to feed scratch mix try to limit it to once a week as we have noticed performance drop when they are having too much scratch. Access to forage: Allow your chickens to forage in a secure outdoor area if possible. This allows them to supplement their diet with bugs, worms, grass, and other natural food sources. Seasonal considerations: Adjust your chickens' diet based on seasonal variations in activity levels, temperature, and egg production. Certainly, you could purchase pellets with a higher protein content during the winter months. Limiting toxins: Avoid feeding your chickens harmful substances like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, onions, garlic, and mouldy or spoiled food. There is always debate about what can or can’t be fed to chickens. Nutritional deficiencies: Be aware of common nutritional deficiencies in chickens, such as vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, E, or B12) or mineral deficiencies (e.g., selenium, zinc, or iodine). Consult with a veterinarian if you suspect any deficiencies or imbalances in your flock's diet. Calcium Deficiency: Calcium is essential for the formation of strong eggshells. A lack of calcium in the diet can result in thin or weak eggshells, shell-less eggs, or an increased likelihood of egg breakage. Protein Deficiency: Protein is crucial for egg production. Inadequate protein intake can lead to decreased egg production, smaller eggs, or eggs with poor shell quality. Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is necessary for proper calcium absorption. A deficiency in vitamin D can hinder calcium utilization, resulting in soft or thin-shelled eggs and reduced egg production. Vitamin E Deficiency: Vitamin E plays a role in reproductive health. A lack of vitamin E may cause reduced fertility, decreased hatchability, or abnormal embryo development. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is important for energy metabolism and nerve function. Deficiency can lead to reduced egg production and poor eggshell quality. Selenium Deficiency: Selenium is an essential trace mineral involved in various metabolic processes. Its deficiency can result in reduced egg production, poor hatchability, and weak immune function. Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function, which affects overall metabolism and egg production. A deficiency in iodine may lead to reduced egg production or delayed sexual maturity in pullets. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency: Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the nutritional quality of eggs. Chickens fed a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids may produce eggs with lower levels of these beneficial fats. Remember, nutritional needs may vary depending on factors such as breed, age, egg production, and health conditions. If you are unsure find a produce or stockfeed shop near you and speak to someone there. They usually have a wealth of information about the different feeds. Both of our local stockfeed stores have also ordered new feed in for us, and we have then given them feedback about the results from the feed to help improve their knowledge also. It's important to note that nutrition deficiencies are typically the result of imbalanced or inadequate diets. I can’t stress enough that commercial well-balanced chicken feed will give your flock the best coverage for the least effort on your part. If you then supplement with appropriate treats, access to forage, and necessary mineral sources can help prevent these deficiencies and support optimal egg production.