I know how important it is to give them the right nutrition. Feeding your chickens a well-balanced diet is key to ensuring they lay healthy and tasty eggs.
While there are plenty of commercial feeds available, I prefer to make my DIY feed recipe for egg layers.
Here is my “tried and true” recipe, along with some tips and tricks for making sure your chickens get the most out of their feed.
Why DIY Feed?
Making your chicken feed can be a great way to ensure that your egg-laying flock is getting the best possible nutrition. Commercial feeds are often filled with additives and preservatives that can negatively affect your chickens’ health and egg production. By making your feed, you have complete control over the ingredients and can tailor the recipe to meet the specific needs of your flock.
Another benefit of DIY feed is cost-effectiveness. While the initial investment in ingredients may seem pricey, in the long run, it can save you money. Commercial feed can be expensive, especially if you have a large flock. By purchasing ingredients in bulk and making your feed, you can save money over time and have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what your chickens are eating.
It’s important to note that making your feed requires a bit of time and effort. You’ll need to source high-quality ingredients, mix them in the correct proportions, and ensure that your chickens are getting a balanced diet. However, the rewards of healthy, happy chickens and high-quality eggs are worth it. Plus, many chicken owners find the process of making their feed to be rewarding and fulfilling.
If you’re interested in making your feed, it’s important to do your research and ensure that you’re providing your flock with all of the necessary nutrients. The recipe we’ll be sharing is a great starting point, but it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist to ensure that your flock’s specific needs are being met.
Ingredients for DIY Egg Layer Feed
Here are the ingredients I use in my DIY egg layer feed recipe:
- Whole Corn – 50%
- Wheat – 25%
- Soybean Meal – 20%
- Oyster Shells – 5%
When it comes to making your own egg layer feed, it’s important to choose high-quality ingredients that will provide your chickens with the necessary nutrients. The recipe shared above is a great starting point, and now let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and why they are important for your chickens.
- Whole Corn – 50%
Whole corn is a great source of energy for your chickens. It’s high in carbohydrates, which can help fuel your chickens’ daily activities, such as foraging and laying eggs. Additionally, whole corn contains fiber, which can aid in digestion and help keep your chickens feeling full.
- Wheat – 25%
Wheat is another important ingredient in egg layer feed. It’s a great source of protein, which is essential for egg production and overall chicken health. Additionally, wheat is high in B vitamins, which can help support your chickens’ immune system and promote healthy feather growth.
- Soybean Meal – 20%
Soybean meal is a highly digestible source of protein, making it a popular ingredient in commercial chicken feed. It’s also rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Additionally, soybean meal contains essential fatty acids, which can help promote healthy skin and feathers in your chickens.
- Oyster Shells – 5%
Oyster shells are an important source of calcium for your chickens. Calcium is essential for strong eggshells, so it’s important to ensure that your chickens are getting enough of it in their diet. Oyster shells are a natural and effective way to provide your chickens with calcium, and they also contain other minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
It’s important to note that this recipe is just a starting point and can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of your flock. For example, you may want to add other grains such as barley or millet, or include supplements such as probiotics or herbs. Additionally, it’s important to provide your chickens with fresh water and access to forage to ensure that they are getting a well-rounded diet.
Mixing the Feed
Mixing the DIY egg layer feed is a straightforward process. Start by gathering all of the ingredients in the proportions listed in the recipe – whole corn at 50%, wheat at 25%, soybean meal at 20%, and oyster shells at 5%. You can adjust the proportions of each ingredient based on the needs of your specific flock, but it’s important to maintain a balance of nutrients.
Next, mix the ingredients together in a large bucket or container. It’s important to mix the ingredients thoroughly so that each scoop of feed contains the necessary nutrients. I recommend mixing in small batches to ensure that the feed stays fresh and doesn’t spoil. This also allows you to make adjustments to the recipe if needed.
One tip I’ve found helpful is to add a little bit of water to the mix. This helps to soften the feed and makes it easier for the chickens to digest. However, be sure not to add too much water, as this can cause the feed to spoil more quickly.
Once you’ve mixed the feed, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent pests from getting into the feed.
Remember, making your own feed requires a bit of time and effort, but it can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to ensure that your egg-laying flock is getting the best possible nutrition. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and proportions to find the recipe that works best for your flock. And be sure to consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist to ensure that your chickens are getting all of the necessary nutrients.
Feeding Tips
Now that you have your DIY egg layer feed, here are a few tips to help ensure your chickens are getting the most out of it:
- Offer free-choice feed – Make sure your chickens have access to the feed all day long. Chickens are grazing animals and prefer to eat small amounts throughout the day.
- Supplement with fresh greens – While the DIY feed recipe provides a good balance of nutrients, it’s always a good idea to supplement with fresh greens. Chickens love to forage and will happily eat grass, clover, and other leafy greens. Plus, fresh greens can help provide extra vitamins and minerals.
- Offer grit – Chickens don’t have teeth, so they need grit to help grind up their food in their gizzard. Make sure to offer a separate container of grit alongside the feed.
- Provide clean water – Just like humans, chickens need clean water to stay healthy. Make sure to change their water daily and provide enough waterers for your flock.
- Monitor egg production – One of the best ways to tell if your chickens are getting the right nutrition is to monitor their egg production. If your hens are laying consistently and their eggs are strong and healthy, then you know they are getting the nutrients they need.
Conclusion
Making your DIY feed recipe for egg layers can be a great way to provide your chickens with the nutrition they need to lay healthy and tasty eggs. By following the recipe above and incorporating some of the tips mentioned, you can help ensure your flock stays healthy and happy. Give it a try and see how your chickens respond!
