Chicken Feed Recipe for Broilers and Layers

Chicken Feed Recipe for Broilers and Layers

One of the most common inquiries among chicken farmers is how to craft their own chicken feed to cut down on feeding expenses. Today, we’ll delve into the process of creating feed for both broilers and layers.

The cost of feeding chickens can be a significant hurdle for farmers striving for success in the poultry industry. To address this, we’ve curated three effective recipes, acknowledging that not everyone can afford them.

Hence, we’ve also included a budget-friendly chicken feed recipe in this discussion.

Let’s explore the ingredients required for crafting chicken feed.

• Homemade Layer Chicken Feed Recipe
• Homemade Broiler Chicken Feed Recipe
• Budget Chicken Feed Recipe

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Feed

When making your own chicken feed, proper storage is crucial to maintain its nutritional value and prevent moisture damage. Bagging and storing the feed securely is essential.

You don’t have to crush the grains; chickens can consume whole corn (mielies) efficiently. Whole corn retains its oils and vitamins, making it a preferable option.

Chickens have a tendency to spill feed while eating. Opting for whole grain feed can save you money, as chickens will readily consume spilled grains. In contrast, powdered feed is more likely to be wasted. If you have smaller chicks, consider cracking the grains for easier consumption.

For layers, incorporating grains into their diet promotes healthier egg production with stronger shells. However, it’s crucial to strike the right balance by ensuring they receive adequate calcium, vitamins, protein, and calories.

While commercial chicken feed typically contains around 14% to 16% protein, there’s nothing inherently wrong with this mix. However, by creating your own blend, you have the flexibility to adjust protein levels, particularly beneficial for broilers.

Not all chickens require the same amount of calcium, and excessive intake can harm their kidneys. Layers, in particular, need higher levels of calcium to support egg production.

When reintroducing eggshells into their diet, ensure they’re finely ground to avoid teaching chickens to consume their own eggs. Whole-wheat offers around 14 to 16% protein and omega fatty acids, making it a valuable addition to our chicken recipe. Although oats contain only 9% protein, they’re rich in fiber, which is essential for chickens’ digestive health.

While corn may lack significant nutritional value, it’s high in calories, making it ideal for boosting broilers’ weight and providing warmth during winter nights. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced corn ratio for layers. Although flaxseed is rich in minerals and contains 25% protein, it’s challenging to obtain and expensive. Consider adding it to your chicken feed for its nutritional benefits, if feasible.

An excellent option to enhance your chicken feed is by incorporating calf manna, a feed boasting 25% protein alongside calcium and essential minerals. While it doesn’t require large quantities for your chickens, calf manna is relatively expensive. However, its inclusion significantly boosts the performance of layers, though it’s important to note that using calf manna isn’t a cost-saving measure but rather an investment in the productivity of your flock.

Chicken Feed Recipe for Layers

Ingredients:

• 100 kg Wheat
• 100 kg Oats
• 100 kg Corn (Mielies)
• 60 kg Soybeans
• 10 kg Calcium (powdered from eggshells)

Instructions:

1. Combine 100 kg of wheat, oats, and corn with 60 kg of soybeans in a mixing container.
2. Prepare 10 kg of powdered calcium from eggshells and add it to the mixture.
3. Thoroughly mix all ingredients until evenly distributed.
4. Store the feed in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
5. This basic recipe has been tested and proven to yield optimal egg production for your farming operation.

Chicken Feed Recipe for Broilers

Ingredients:

• 100 kg Corn (Mielies)
• 70 kg Soybeans
• 10 kg Oats
• 10 kg Crushed Lucerne
• 5 kg Calcium (powdered from eggshells)
• 7 kg Poultry Nutri Balancer

Instructions:

1. Combine 100 kg of corn with 70 kg of soybeans and 10 kg of oats in a mixing container.
2. Add 10 kg of crushed Lucerne and 5 kg of powdered calcium to the mixture.
3. Integrate 7 kg of poultry nutri balancer into the feed.
4. Thoroughly mix all ingredients until evenly distributed.
5. Store the feed in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
6. This alternative recipe provides a balanced diet for broilers without bone or fish meal, catering to various preferences.

Budget Broiler Feed Recipe

Ingredients:

• 100 kg Barley
• 50 kg Wheat
• 50 kg Corn (Mielies)

Instructions:

1. Combine 100 kg of barley with 50 kg each of wheat and corn in a suitable mixing container.
2. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until evenly distributed.
3. Store the feed in a dry and secure location to maintain its freshness.

Important Information About This Homemade Chicken Feed:

Personally, I opt for a custom-blend from my local feed plant, detailed in my Natural Homestead book. However, that blend entails more intricate ingredients and complexities. Hence, I’m sharing this simpler recipe.

• The grains do not require crushing; they can be fed whole.
• Lentils are not included in this recipe.

Recipe:

• 30% Corn
• 30% Wheat
• 20% Peas
• 10% Oats
• 10% Fish Meal
• 2% Poultry Nutri-Balancer
• Free Choice Kelp
• Free Choice Aragonite

As I procure a custom blend from my feed factory, I don’t have price breakdowns for this specific formulation.

Homemade Chicken Feed Notes:

We appreciate the versatility of this chicken feed recipe—it can be tailored for small or large batches.

Undoubtedly, this post might spark some discussions. There are numerous websites, books, and resources that delve into feeding chickens with scientific precision. While it’s important to be mindful of balancing rations, I often find myself reverting to the methods of our ancestors. Great Grandma managed to keep her flock thriving long before the advent of glossy bags labeled “Chicken Chow” in feed stores, so I hesitate to overcomplicate matters. Additionally, when seasoned chicken experts like Justin Rhodes consistently find success with a recipe like this, it instills confidence.

Reasons why you should make your own chicken feed

Here are some reasons why making your own chicken feed can be beneficial:

1. Cost Savings: Producing your own chicken feed can be more economical in the long run, especially if you have access to bulk grains and ingredients. By purchasing ingredients in bulk and mixing them yourself, you can often save money compared to buying pre-made feed.
2. Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own chicken feed, you have full control over the quality and source of ingredients. You can choose organic, non-GMO, or locally sourced grains and supplements, ensuring a higher-quality diet for your chickens.
3. Customization: Homemade chicken feed allows you to tailor the diet to the specific needs of your flock. You can adjust the protein, calcium, and nutrient levels based on the age, breed, and production goals of your chickens.
4. Avoiding Additives and Preservatives: Many commercial chicken feeds contain additives, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients that you may want to avoid. By making your own feed, you can ensure a more natural and wholesome diet for your chickens.
5. Reduced Waste: Making your own feed allows you to minimize waste by using up leftover grains and ingredients. You can also adjust feed quantities more precisely, reducing the likelihood of overfeeding or underfeeding your chickens.
6. Self-Sufficiency: Producing your own chicken feed contributes to your self-sufficiency as a homesteader or small-scale farmer. It reduces dependence on external suppliers and allows you to have greater control over your poultry operation.
7. Peace of Mind: Knowing exactly what goes into your chicken feed can provide peace of mind regarding the health and well-being of your flock. You can be confident that your chickens are receiving a nutritious and balanced diet tailored to their needs.

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Places you can buy the ingredients to make your own chicken feed

You can purchase ingredients to make chicken feed from various sources, including:

1. Feed Stores: Local feed stores often carry a range of grains, supplements, and other ingredients commonly used in chicken feed.
2. Farm Supply Stores: Agricultural supply stores and farm co-ops typically stock a variety of feed ingredients suitable for poultry.
3. Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in selling bulk grains, supplements, and other poultry feed ingredients. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialty agricultural suppliers offer a wide selection of options.
4. Local Farmers or Grain Mills: You may be able to purchase grains directly from local farmers or grain mills like AgriMark. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re buying in bulk.
5. Farmers Markets: Some farmers markets may have vendors selling grains, seeds, and other ingredients that can be used in homemade chicken feed.
6. Specialty Suppliers: Specialty suppliers catering to backyard poultry enthusiasts or organic farmers may offer a selection of high-quality feed ingredients.

Before purchasing ingredients, consider factors such as price, quality, and availability. Additionally, ensure that any grains or supplements you buy are suitable for poultry consumption and free from contaminants or additives that could harm your chickens.

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