Understanding Chicken Nutrition and Safe Feeding Practices

Chickens require a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. Protein promotes growth while carbohydrates supply energy. Layer hens need more calcium for eggshell production than meat breeds.

Grit aids in digestion for chickens, grinding down food in the gizzard since chickens don't have teeth. Soluble grit like oyster shells provides calcium, while insoluble grit made of granite helps in food breakdown.

Animal proteins offer essential amino acids that vegetable proteins might lack. Chickens often eat insects, worms, and small rodents in the wild, which fulfills their need for such nutrients, promoting feather growth and egg production.

Not all food is chicken-safe. Avocado skin and pits contain persin, which is toxic to chickens. Onions can cause anemia, and raw beans have phytohemagglutinin, which is poisonous. Chocolate and caffeine are also harmful.

Chickens can eat most vegetables, including leafy greens, which provide vitamins and help in egg yolk pigmentation. However, they should avoid nightshade vegetables like raw potatoes and tomatoes, as they contain solanine, which is toxic to chickens.

Supplemental feeding with kitchen scraps should be limited. While it provides variety, too much can unbalance their nutrition. Scraps should not exceed 10% of their diet. Fermenting feed can improve nutritional uptake and digestion.

During colder months, chickens require more energy to maintain body heat. Increasing carbohydrate intake through grains can be beneficial. Conversely, summer diets should be lighter, with increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables for hydration.