Understanding the Diet of Farm-Raised Chickens

Feed is a crucial aspect of chicken farming, especially on commercial farms where the focus is on efficient growth and productivity.

The Natural Diet of Chickens

Chickens, as natural foragers, consume a variety of foods to maintain their health and well-being. Historically, these birds peck at grains, seeds, insects, and small stones. The birds use their beaks to pick up and swallow food, as they lack teeth. The stones help with digestion by grinding down their food in the gizzard.

Commercial Feed in Chicken Farming

Many poultry farmers in my area produce a significant portion of their feed, often using machinery to grind corn, wheat, and soybeans. These are essential ingredients, and other supplements such as mineral additives, fish meal, and bone meal are added to ensure the feed provides a complete nutritional profile. Some farmers opt to buy pre-made complete rations, but the core ingredients remain similar.

The Composition of Poultry Feed

Commercial poultry feed is specifically designed to offer the right balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth and egg production. The feed typically includes a mixture of grains, seeds, and oils, along with protein sources such as soybean meal and sunflower meal. By-products from meat and bone processing plants are also used as sources of proteins and fats.

Vegetarian feed brands, which do not include meat products, are also available. All ingredients are carefully weighed and proportioned before being ground and mixed. Feed additives are then added to enhance the nutritional value of the final product. The compounded feed is often pelleted, but in some cases, it is fed as a mash.

The Role of Table Scraps and Leftovers

Chickens have a remarkable ability to digest a wide variety of foods, making them effective living garbage disposals. They can be fed table scraps, including meat, without any adverse effects. However, for optimal health and production, it is recommended to use F.D.A. approved feed.

Chickens that are fed a balanced diet of table scraps and leftovers tend to be heavier and healthier, with stronger eggshells and a reduced likelihood of pecking behavior. This prevents the occurrence of cannibalism, where one bird might attack and eat another due to a bloody spot caused by pecking.

Conclusion

Understanding the dietary needs of farm-raised chickens is essential for successful poultry production. By providing a balanced and complete ration, farmers can ensure the health and productivity of their flock. Proper feeding practices not only improve the birds' health but also contribute to higher egg production and better meat quality.