Chickens depend on high-quality feed to meet their protein, energy and nutrient requirements for survival and egg production. Any poor-quality feed could lead to unhealthy hens with diminished egg production or even result in illness in their flocks.
Hens require a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates (starches), proteins and lipids (fats or oils). Sources of proteins for their diet are grains, legumes and vegetables found in poultry feed. In order to remain healthy and produce quality eggs, chickens also require vitamins and minerals which can be found both within their feed or through foraging activities.
Foraging can be an excellent supplement to a chicken’s diet, but should make up no more than 20% of their daily food intake. Too much foraging may lead to obesity and nutritional imbalance. Free ranging chickens still need to be fed, even though they find many tasty insects and greens on their own; these do not always provide all of the protein they require for egg production and muscle development.
On average, mature laying hens tend to consume approximately 1/4 cup of feed daily. Although this estimate applies across the board for all breeds of chickens, different strains may require slightly more or less than this average figure.
Food requirements of chickens depend on the season; during cold months they use more fuel to stay warm, requiring them to consume more food than during other times of the year. Furthermore, flocks of laying hens should never go without sustenance as this will cause their egg production to decrease significantly.
Your flock, whether feed-fed or foraging, should always have access to clean, fresh water for their daily needs. This will prevent disease while keeping the flock hydrated and aiding digestion of their food.
As well as offering your poultry high-quality poultry feed, they should also receive an additional source of calcium in the form of broken oyster shell or grit for digestive support and absorption of essential nutrients. A feeder equipped with a hopper will prevent waste while keeping their diet fresh and delicious!