How to Feed Chickens in the Tropics of Hawaii

Raising chickens provides a family with fresh poultry grown in an open-range, hormone-free environment. Hawaii's lack of snakes and other natural predators such as coyotes mitigates possible losses. For all the benefits of raising chickens in Hawaii, locals find it cost-prohibitive to raise the birds on traditional grains. Grains are expensive to import and the Hawaiian climate and topography are not suitable for these types of crops.

Things You'll Need

  • Local fruits
  • Local vegetables
  • Machete
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Instructions

    • 1

      Husk coconuts with the machete, breaking them in half and tossing them on the ground for the chickens to peck at.

    • 2

      Throw banana leaves with banana, papaya, breadfruit and other local fruits and vegetables out for the chickens.

    • 3

      Plant vine fruit such as chayote, an edible Mexican fruit, on fences near the chicken pen. The fruit and leaves are edible.

    • 4

      Join a feed buyers club. Contact a local feed store and ask about any local clubs buying in bulk and distributing feed among the members. Bulk purchases reduce costs and give you access to organic grain feeds not sold to consumers individually.

    • 5

      Rotate areas where chickens forage. A small yard can easily turn to dirt with chickens looking for worms and grubs. Separate the yard into sections and rotate areas where chickens can look for supplemental food.

    • 6

      Use household food waste. Cooked potatoes, dry bread and corn are ways to give chickens the grains and carbohydrates they are used to without going out and buying it.