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Poultry Pages Home >> Poultry Articles >> Feeding Chickens Pt 1

How to Feed Chickens pt 1 by Virginia Shirt

The health of your hens and their productivity depends on what and how you feed them.

Virginia Shirt is the author of The Right Way to Keep Chickens available from Amazon and all good bookstores. She has lived with chickens for over 15 years so her knowledge is based on practical experience.

The book provides a comprehensive guide to keeping chickens and is an easy read from an obvious enthusiast.

Importance of Quality Chicken Feed

Quality Chicken Feed

When considering the food required for your chickens it is important to always provide good quality feed. It is no good purchasing cheap feed of a lesser quality. In order to yield the maximum number of eggs only the best food will do. Layers pellets or layers mash should contain all the nutrition your chickens need to produce their eggs.

Pellets or Mash?

On a personal note I do think pellets are easier and more economical to feed. Mash seems to get trodden in by the chickens and somehow spread around by their feet leading to waste.

Check the Feed Quality

The food you purchase must be mould/dust free as the lungs of the chicken are rather delicate. Not only are the chicken’s lungs put under stress by dust and mould but the nutritional value of the food will be less adequate. You will be surprised how often a mouldy batch of food can turn up. Always contact your supplier as they usually gladly exchange the food.

Changing Brands of Chicken Feed

Once you have the chickens laying well I would advise that you stay with the same brand of food. Brands do vary slightly so you may notice a difference in egg yield if you change. However the same applies if the chickens fail to produce on a particular brand I would suggest finding a brand that helps towards a good return. Once you are happy with the feed that works for you stick with it.

Watering

Part of your feeding routine will be closely linked to watering. It is of the utmost importance to have plenty of fresh water available for the chickens. Chickens will not eat the food if they cannot drink. This will result in a drastic drop in production as over half the egg is made up of water. Take into account the weather and make sure the water does not freeze. In the winter water should be inside the coop to help prevent freezing. In the summer make sure water is always available as birds quickly dehydrate in warm weather.

This Article Continues in Feeding Chickens Part 2 by Virginia Shirt

Articles by Virginia Shirt on Keeping Chickens at Home