10 DIY Chicken Feed [Easy To Make]

As a backyard chicken enthusiast, I know how crucial it is to provide our feathered friends with the best nourishment. 

Commercial feed can be expensive and often contains additives we don’t want. Have you ever wondered about the benefits of making your chicken feed? 

In this article, I’ll share easy DIY recipes and tips to create a wholesome feed that keeps your chickens healthy and happy. 

Let’s dive in!

DIY Chicken Feed

Chicken feed is the food given to chickens, and it’s essential for their health and egg production. 

Most chicken feed is made up of grains like corn and wheat, along with protein sources such as soy. 

It’s important to provide a balanced diet, which can also include vitamins and minerals. There are different types of feed for various stages of a chicken’s life, from chicks to laying hens. 

Proper nutrition not only helps chickens grow well but also ensures they produce healthy eggs.

1. Fermented Feed 

The fermentation process is an exceptional way to boost the health of your chickens by enhancing their feed’s nutritional profile. 

When you ferment grains, you increase the availability of probiotics and vital vitamins, which support a healthier microbial balance in your flock’s digestive system. 

Moreover, fermented feed is denser and more filling, meaning your chickens will consume less while still receiving all the essential nutrients they require. 

This approach not only fosters healthier birds but also helps you save on feed costs, making it a win-win solution for both your budget and the welfare of your chickens. 

Embracing fermented feed can significantly improve their overall productivity and vitality.

2. Sprouted Grains 

Sprouting grains is a highly effective method to elevate the nutritional quality of your chickens’ diet. 

Start with seeds such as barley, wheat, or oats; soak them overnight and rinse them to encourage sprouting, which typically takes a few days. 

The sprouted grains are teeming with essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can significantly enhance the health of your chickens. 

These fresh sprouts are not only more nutritious but also easier for your birds to digest compared to their dry counterparts.

Your flock will relish the crisp, vibrant greens, and you’ll likely observe a noticeable boost in their energy levels and egg-laying performance. 

3. Homemade Grain Mix 

Crafting a homemade grain mix is a brilliant way to tailor your chickens’ diet to meet their specific nutritional needs. 

Begin by combining various grains such as corn, oats, barley, and wheat, then enhance this mix with protein sources like soybean meal or fish meal, which are vital for growth and egg production. 

To create a well-rounded diet, incorporate essential minerals and vitamins, ensuring that your flock receives all necessary nutrients. 

Don’t shy away from adding kitchen scraps or garden greens to this mix, as these can provide variety and additional health benefits. 

This hands-on approach not only guarantees a nutritious diet but also lets you cater to your flock’s tastes, making feeding time an enjoyable experience.

4. Kitchen Scraps 

Feeding chickens kitchen scraps not only provides a supplementary diet but also constitutes a smart, budget-friendly practice. 

Gather an assortment of vegetable peels, fruit trimmings, and leftover foods like rice or pasta to enrich your flock’s meals. 

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution; avoid sharing anything excessively salty, spicy, or sweet, as well as known toxic foods such as avocado and chocolate. 

Chickens thrive on this variety, which not only enhances their nutritional intake but also significantly reduces kitchen waste. 

This recycling of food not only benefits the chickens’ health and happiness but also promotes sustainability within your household, ultimately resulting in more vibrant and flavorful eggs for your table.

5. Garden Greens 

Your garden is a veritable paradise teeming with nourishing greens and plants ideal for your chickens. 

By carefully cultivating extra greens such as kale, spinach, and lettuce, you can offer a fresh, nutrient-rich feast for your flock. 

Regular harvesting of these leafy vegetables will not only keep your chickens excited about their meals but also ensure they receive the essential vitamins and minerals crucial for optimal health. 

Allowing your chickens to roam in the garden provides them with the opportunity to forage for bugs and natural plants, enriching their diet and enhancing their well-being. 

Nevertheless, be vigilant in protecting any plants you wish to preserve, ensuring a harmonious balance that nurtures both garden and birds alike. 

This arrangement inevitably leads to happy, robust chickens that reward you with delicious, nutrient-dense eggs.

6. Insect Larvae

Utilizing insect larvae as a nutrient-rich feed source for your chickens is a smart and sustainable practice. 

Begin by creating a suitable habitat with bedding material and moisture to support the growth of your chosen insect larvae, such as mealworms or black soldier flies. As they thrive, these larvae proliferate, providing an abundant supply of protein. 

When they reach the desired size, harvest them to supplement your chickens’ diet, particularly during critical phases like molting or peak egg-laying periods. 

By incorporating insect larvae into their meals, you not only enhance the nutritional profile of your flock’s diet but also promote greater health and vitality in your birds, thereby ensuring that they remain energetic and productive.

7. Foraging

Empowering your chickens to forage freely is an organic and effective means of enriching their diet. 

Allowing your flock to roam in a secure environment enables them to hunt for an array of natural delights, including insects, seeds, and various plants. 

This foraging behavior provides essential vitamins, minerals, and additional nutrients that contribute to their overall health and well-being. 

Moreover, it keeps them physically active, mentally stimulated, and engaged in their surroundings. 

However, ensure that the foraging area is thoroughly inspected for any harmful plants or lurking predators. 

This practice not only lowers your feed expenses but also promotes happier, healthier chickens, it’s captivating to observe how your flock interacts with their natural environment.

8. Compost Pile

A well-maintained compost pile can serve as an enriching food source and a source of entertainment for your chickens. 

Establish a dedicated compost area where you can responsibly dispose of kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other compostable materials. 

Chickens are natural foragers and will enthusiastically scratch through the compost pile, seeking out tasty insects and nutrient-dense organic matter. 

This not only boosts their diet with additional nutrition but also assists in aerating the compost, accelerating the decomposition process. 

By recycling your organic waste in this manner, you create a productive cycle that benefits both your chickens and your garden, keeping your flock engaged while promoting sustainability and waste reduction in your backyard.

9. Fodder Systems 

Growing fodder is a groundbreaking method to provide your chickens with nutritious, fresh greens all year round. 

This system utilizes grains such as barley or wheat, which serve as an excellent base for green feed. 

The process begins by soaking the grains overnight in water to kickstart germination. After soaking, spread the grains in a shallow tray, ensuring they are well spaced. 

Keep the tray in a warm environment and maintain moisture levels, as this encourages sprouting. Within just a few days, the grains will rise to a few inches tall, ready for harvest. 

Cutting and feeding this vibrant fodder to your chickens not only boosts their nutrient intake but also ensures easy digestion, promoting their overall health and increasing productivity.

10. DIY Feed Blocks 

Creating DIY feed blocks presents a delightful and practical way to ensure your chickens receive a balanced diet while also keeping them engaged. 

To craft these treat-filled blocks, combine various ingredients including grains, seeds, dried fruits, and mealworms for a nutritious mix. 

A binding agent, such as molasses or gelatin, is essential for holding the mixture together. 

Once fully blended, press the concoction into molds and allow it to set until hardened. 

These feed blocks can then be suspended in the chicken coop or run, encouraging your birds to engage in natural pecking behavior. 

Not only do these blocks provide a wholesome snack, but they also alleviate boredom, helping to prevent issues such as feather-picking due to confinement in smaller living spaces.