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Sabtu, 01 Juni 2013

What Can Chickens Eat?

What Can Chickens Eat?

Chickens raised as pets or for meat or egg production can eat commercially produced feed or a natural diet if left to forage for themselves in a pasture. Chickens at varying ages need food with different nutritional profiles. Commercial feed is available in specific formulations for young chicks, and for hen-laying and meat poultry. Chickens living on a natural foraging diet will benefit from a pasture specially managed to meet their nutritional needs and additional grain.

Chickens' Nutritional Needs

    The food you can feed chickens depends on the type of chickens and whether you are raising them for food or to produce eggs. In general, chickens need a protein-rich diet that also contains significant amounts of calcium and phosphorous. Calcium, in particular, is important for laying hens and provides the material for strong eggshells. A variety of vitamins and minerals, either supplied through commercial feed or naturally, also helps chickens thrive.

Commercial Feed

    Commercial feed provides a convenient method of giving chickens a balanced diet that suits their age and type. Poultry feed comes in three forms: pellets, crumbles and mash. From birth to laying age, at about 18 to 20 weeks, chicks eat starter feeds specially formulated for young chickens. Egg-laying chickens and meat chickens can eat special feeds that suit their purpose. Meat, or broiler, chickens require more protein in their feed.

Plants and Legumes

    Leafy plants and legumes such as clover and alfalfa provide protein and nutrients to chickens that are free ranging and feed in a pasture. In fact, a Penn State study found the eggs of chickens that ate pastured legumes were significantly higher in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E than chickens fed a commercial diet while caged. Chicken farmers often supplement pastured chickens with grain, such as cracked corn.

Earthworms and Insects

    Earthworms and insects are another source of protein for chickens who feed outdoors. Earthworms live in moist soils with plenty of organic material. A layer of leaves left in the corner of the yard will attract earthworms to the area for easy pickings by foraging chickens.

Kitchen Scraps and Weeds

    Chicken will eat discards from the home kitchen, such as vegetables, meat, dairy and fruit. Locating a compost pile near the chicken coop will keep chickens well-fed. Chickens will also quickly dispose of pulled weeds tossed into their yard.

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