How to Sustainably Feed Your Chickens Without the Feed Store

TLDRLearn how to feed your chickens without relying on expensive feed stores. Discover how much feed your chickens need, the cost of feeding them, and tips for reducing feed needs. Find out how many eggs you can expect and how much meat you can get from your chickens. Explore options such as fermenting feed, pasture-raising chickens, and feeding table scraps. Understand the importance of carbs, crude fiber, fatty acids, and protein in your chicken's diet.

Key insights

🐔Chickens need about 1/2 cup of food per day, which amounts to just over 90 lbs of feed per year for each hen.

🥚The number of eggs a chicken lays per year depends on the breed, ranging from 150 to 330 eggs.

🍗Dual Purpose Heritage breed chickens are ready for harvest in 5 to 6 months and can weigh 4 to 10 lbs, providing a good source of meat.

🌽Feeding table scraps is an option to reduce feed needs, but it's important to ensure a well-balanced diet for your chickens.

🌾Fermenting chicken feed can reduce feed usage by 40 to 50%, improving digestion and gut health.

Q&A

Can I feed my chickens without buying feed?

—Yes, you can feed your chickens without relying on expensive feed stores. By growing your own grains and exploring alternative feeding options, you can sustainably feed your chickens.

How much feed do chickens need per day?

—On average, a chicken needs about 1/2 cup of food per day, which is roughly equal to 300 calories. However, the exact amount may vary depending on the breed and individual chicken.

How many eggs can I expect from my chickens?

—The number of eggs a chicken lays per year depends on various factors such as breed, health, and environment. It can range from 150 to 330 eggs per year.

Can I feed my chickens table scraps?

—Feeding table scraps to chickens is a common practice and can help reduce feed needs. However, it's important to ensure a well-balanced diet by providing a variety of nutrients and avoiding harmful foods.

What are the benefits of fermenting chicken feed?

—Fermenting chicken feed can improve digestion, increase beneficial bacteria, and reduce feed usage. It's a natural way to enhance gut health and nutrient absorption in chickens.

Timestamped Summary

00:14Chickens need about 1/2 cup of food per day, which amounts to just over 90 lbs of feed per year for each hen.

01:33The number of eggs a chicken lays per year depends on the breed, ranging from 150 to 330 eggs.

01:40Dual Purpose Heritage breed chickens are ready for harvest in 5 to 6 months and can weigh 4 to 10 lbs, providing a good source of meat.

02:53Feeding table scraps is an option to reduce feed needs, but it's important to ensure a well-balanced diet for your chickens.

03:12Fermenting chicken feed can reduce feed usage by 40 to 50%, improving digestion and gut health.

Browse more