Raising chickens often involves supplementing commercial feeds by growing crops, which helps reduce feed costs and allows for greater control over nutrition. Providing home-grown feed offers a diverse diet and supports the overall health of the birds. A managed garden can enhance egg quality and provide the specific nutrients necessary for growth and laying productivity. The primary goal is to create a nutritional profile that complements the birds’ staple diet, focusing on energy, protein, and micronutrients.
Cultivating High-Energy Grains and Seeds
Grains and seeds form the bulk of a chicken’s diet, supplying the necessary carbohydrates and fats for daily energy requirements. Corn is a common choice, providing high caloric density, but it is low in protein and must be cracked or ground into smaller pieces for proper digestion. Wheat is another significant energy source, with hard red varieties offering slightly more protein than soft white wheat. Oats are beneficial, offering a good balance of energy, fiber, and B vitamins, alongside a modest protein content of around 16%. These staple crops require ample space and a dedicated growing season for a substantial harvest.
Sunflower seeds, particularly black oil varieties, are highly palatable and provide both energy and essential fats. Since they are high in fat, they should not constitute more than one-third of the total diet. Growing grains like millet and barley can further diversify the energy content.
Growing Protein-Rich Legumes and Cover Crops
Protein is necessary for muscle growth, feather production, and sustained egg output, making its inclusion important for laying hens. Legumes are excellent sources of plant-based protein, often containing twice the protein of typical grains. Field peas and cowpeas are practical options for backyard cultivation, with pea protein content averaging around 20%. Faba beans are another protein-dense legume that can safely be included in layer feed mixtures.
These legumes also serve a dual purpose as cover crops, actively fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This capability enriches the soil for subsequent crops, integrating feed production into the garden’s rotation schedule. Other protein-rich options include sweet lupins and soybeans, though soybeans require heat treatment to deactivate antinutritional factors. Providing protein-rich forage like alfalfa further supports hens in maintaining the 16-18% dietary protein necessary for optimal egg production.
Incorporating Vitamin-Dense Forages and Greens
Fresh forages and greens are valuable additions, supplying a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enhance flock health and contribute to rich yolk color. Leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard are particularly rich in vitamins A and K, which support the immune system and blood clotting functions. The darker the green color of the forage, the richer the resulting egg yolk color tends to be.
Chickens can be given access to foraging areas planted with clover and alfalfa. These plants provide essential vitamins and fiber, aiding in healthy digestion and promoting natural foraging behaviors. Dandelion, often considered a weed, is a natural superfood for chickens, offering high levels of vitamins and minerals.
Squash and pumpkin varieties can be grown specifically for the flock, as both the flesh and the seeds offer nutritional benefits. These large, seasonal items can be offered whole or cut and hung in the run, providing both nutrition and enrichment to reduce boredom.
Safe Preparation and Toxic Plant Avoidance
When feeding home-grown produce, several items require preparation to ensure they are safe for consumption by poultry. Raw or dried beans contain the toxin hemagglutinin, which must be deactivated by cooking before feeding to chickens. Similarly, raw potatoes and green potato skins contain solanine, a toxic compound that is neutralized when the potatoes are cooked.
It is important to avoid several common garden and ornamental plants that contain toxins harmful to chickens.
Toxic Plants to Avoid
- Rhubarb leaves
- Avocado pits
- Leaves of nightshade plants (e.g., tomatoes and eggplants)
Accidental poisoning can still occur if harmful plants are mixed into feed or are the only options available in a run. Preparation methods also apply to healthy crops; large grains like corn and wheat should be cracked or sprouted to improve digestibility. Sprouting grains increases their nutrient availability and is especially beneficial during colder months. All feed additions must be free from mold or excessive salt content.