How to Feed Chickens on a Budget

Keeping chickens in your backyard is becoming a national pastime. With the economy in a slump, and the cost of food spiraling upward, many people are choosing to keep chickens for the eggs and meat. Many cities are even passing ordinances allowing people to have a limited number of chickens inside city limits. Some cities do, however, draw the line at roosters.
But what do you feed the chickens? Are you just swapping the high cost of people food for the high cost of chicken feed? Well, here's some good news.
Chickens are omnivores and need to have some animal protein in their diet. During mild months, they do well free-ranging in the back yard, eating fresh living grass and all the creepy crawlies they can find. All you need to do is supplement with some chicken feed and they'll be fine.
But the rest of the year? Well, you don't need to spend a fortune on chicken feed. Using your own table scraps, you can make a healthy mash that will keep them healthy all year round.

Things You'll Need

  • Food scraps
  • Covered container
  • Large pot
  • Water
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Instructions

  1. Making Chicken Mash

    • 1

      During the week, put all table scraps, including meat, grains, and vegetables in a container and refrigerate so they don't start composting. Chop everything into small pieces to save labor later. Be sure to include the parts you cut off during food preparation unless they are really tough or stringy.

    • 2

      If you want to be really frugal, put the water used to cook your meals and drained from canned vegetables in the container. Might as well pay less on the water bill while you're at it.

    • 3

      Once a week, put all the stuff you've saved in a large pot, add some water if necessary, bring it to a boil, and start it simmering.

    • 4

      Let the mash simmer, stirring occasionally, until it is the consistency of soft mashed potatoes. Don't stop simmering if it's still runny, unless you like a mess in your chicken house.

    • 5

      Feed the mash to the chickens in a dish. A good helping of your leftovers should make enough mash to last a week. You'll still want to give the chickens some high quality chicken feed, as it provides some nutrients they need. But you'll be able to cut back and save some money while giving your chickens a tasty treat.