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.

  1. 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.