Introduction
For any poultry farmer, from those with a small backyard flock to those with a larger operation, feed is the single biggest cost. It’s also the number one key to having healthy, productive birds. Making your own poultry feed offers powerful control over both of these factors. It puts you in charge of your budget and your flock’s nutrition.
This guide will provide you with a straightforward, step-by-step approach to making your own poultry feed. We’ll cover everything from the basics of poultry nutrition and choosing the right ingredients to formulating your own recipe and the final process of mixing or pelleting it.
Why Bother Making Your Own Poultry Feed? The Real Advantages
Taking the step to make your own poultry feed can seem like a lot of work, but the benefits are significant.
You Control the Quality and Freshness of Every Ingredient
When you make the feed yourself, you know exactly what is (and what is not) in it. There are no mystery fillers or low-quality components. You can choose to use fresh, high-quality, and even local grains. This gives you complete transparency.
Lower Your Feed Costs Significantly Over Time
The economics are simple. Buying raw ingredients like corn and soybean meal in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying pre-bagged commercial feed. Your initial investment in some basic equipment can quickly be paid back by the daily savings on your feed bill.
Tailor Nutrition for Your Specific Flock (Broilers, Layers, Chicks)
This is a huge advantage. Commercial feed is one-size-fits-all. When you make your own, you can create different recipes for different types of poultry. Broilers (meat birds) have very different needs than layers (egg-laying hens), and chicks need a special starter feed.
Avoid Unwanted Additives or Fillers
By controlling the ingredients, you can choose to make an all-natural, non-GMO, or organic feed if you source the right components. You are in complete control of your flock’s diet.
Understanding Poultry Nutrition: The Building Blocks of Good Feed
To make good feed, you first need to know what your birds need to thrive.
Protein:
This is essential for growth and production. It helps build muscle in meat birds (broilers). For laying hens, a steady supply of protein is needed to form an egg nearly every day.
Energy (from Carbohydrates & Fats):
This fuels your flock’s daily activities. They need energy to walk around, grow, and produce eggs. This energy primarily comes from the grains in their feed.
Calcium & Phosphorus:
These minerals are crucial for strong bones. For laying hens, calcium is especially important. A large amount of calcium is needed to form a strong eggshell every day. Phosphorus works together with calcium to make this happen.
Essential Vitamins & Minerals:
Poultry need a wide range of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, fight off disease, and for their bodies to function correctly. The easiest and safest way to provide these is with a “premix.”
Gathering Your Ingredients: The Poultry Feed Pantry
A good poultry feed is made from a well-chosen mix of ingredients.
Energy Sources (This is the Base of Your Feed):
Corn (Maize), Wheat, Barley, Sorghum.
Protein Sources (The Building Blocks):
Soybean Meal (a very common and effective choice), Fish Meal (often used in moderation for high-quality protein), Canola Meal, Sunflower Meal.
Calcium Sources (Especially Important for Layers):
Ground Limestone, Crushed Oyster Shell.
Key Additives (The Non-Negotiables):
A good quality Poultry Vitamin & Mineral Premix (be sure to choose one specifically for either broilers or layers), and Salt.
(Optional but Recommended) Grit & Oyster Shell for Layers:
If your laying hens are not free-ranging on gravelly soil, they need access to insoluble grit in a separate dish. They use these small stones in their gizzard to help grind up their food. It’s also a good idea to offer them extra crushed oyster shell in a separate dish. This allows them to take in extra calcium when they feel they need it for eggshell production.
Formulating Your Feed: Broilers vs. Layers Have Different Needs
This is a critical distinction. You cannot feed a broiler and a layer the same food and expect the best results.
For Broilers (Meat Birds): The Goal is Fast Growth
Starter Feed (approx. 0-3 weeks):
Broiler chicks need a feed with very high protein, often 22-24%, to support their rapid muscle development.
Grower/Finisher Feed (approx. 3+ weeks):
As they get older, the protein level can be decreased slightly. The energy content of the feed becomes more important for “finishing.”
For Layers (Egg-Laying Hens): The Goal is Strong Eggs & Hen Health
Layer Feed (approx. 18+ weeks):
Once they start laying, their protein needs are more moderate (around 16-18%). However, their need for calcium becomes very high (around 3.5-4.5% of the feed) to support daily eggshell formation.
Starter/Grower Feed (approx. 0-18 weeks):
Young hens (pullets) need a balanced feed with good protein to help them develop a strong body and frame before they start laying.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Own Poultry Feed
Here is a simple look at the process:
Choose Your Formula:
First, decide if you are making a feed for broilers or layers, and for which age group.
Weigh Your Ingredients:
Accuracy is very important for a balanced feed. Weigh each ingredient carefully according to the recipe you have chosen.
Grind Your Grains:
Grind all your whole grains (like corn or wheat) into a consistent, meal-like texture.
Mix Everything Thoroughly:
Add all your ground ingredients and your premix to the mixer. Blend everything until it is perfectly uniform.
Stop Here for Mash, or Continue for Pellets:
Your mixed feed is now ready to be used as a mash.
If you are making pellets: You will likely need to add a small amount of moisture (this is called conditioning). Then, run the mash through your poultry feed pellet machine. Always make sure to cool the finished pellets completely before you store them.
Tips from Experienced Farmers for Great Homemade Feed
The Premix is Non-Negotiable
“Don’t ever try to mix your own vitamins and minerals from scratch unless you are a trained nutritionist. A good quality, commercially available poultry premix is the safest and easiest way to ensure your birds get all the vital micronutrients they need to thrive.”
Grind Size Matters
“For young chicks, a finer grind is better because it’s easier for them to eat and digest. For adult birds, a slightly coarser mash is perfectly fine. If you are making pellets, a uniform grind of all your ingredients is one of the keys to making good, strong pellets.”
Observe Your Birds – They are Your Best Report Card
“Your chickens will tell you if your feed is working well. Are they active and energetic? Are their feathers glossy and full? For your layers, are the eggshells strong and smooth? Your flock’s health and appearance are your best form of feedback.”
Always Introduce New Feed Slowly
“Never switch your flock’s feed from one day to the next. Always mix the new feed with the old feed over a period of about a week. Gradually increase the amount of the new feed each day. This gives their digestive systems time to adjust.”
Storing Your Homemade Poultry Feed
To keep your feed fresh and safe, store it properly.
- Keep your feed in a cool, dry, and dark place to protect the nutrients, especially vitamins.
- Use rodent-proof containers or sealed bins. This keeps pests out and helps maintain freshness.
- It’s often best to make smaller batches more often. This is better than storing huge amounts for months. Fresh feed is always best for your birds.
Conclusion
Making your own poultry feed takes some planning and effort, but it gives you incredible control. You can manage your flock’s nutrition, ensure the quality of their food, and often lower your single biggest farm cost. By understanding the basics of nutrition and following a careful process, you can create a high-quality feed that leads to healthier, more productive birds and a more successful poultry operation.
FAQ
1. What is the main difference between broiler feed and layer feed?
The main differences are the levels of protein and calcium. Broiler feed is much higher in protein. This is to support the rapid muscle growth needed for meat production. Layer feed has a more moderate protein level but is much, much higher in calcium. This extra calcium is essential for hens to be able to form strong eggshells nearly every day.
2. Is mash, crumble, or pellets better for chickens?
All three forms of feed can work well. Mash is simple to make but can sometimes lead to more feed waste, as chickens can be picky and flick it out of feeders. Pellets and Crumbles reduce this picky eating and waste because all the ingredients are packed together in each piece. Crumbles are essentially broken-up pellets and are often the best choice for young chicks because they are small and easy for them to eat.
3. Can I just feed my chickens whole grains like corn?
You should not feed your chickens only whole grains as their only food source. While chickens enjoy eating grains, grains alone do not provide a complete diet. Your chickens need a balanced feed that includes adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals (and especially calcium for your layers) to be healthy and productive. Whole grains can be given as a supplemental treat, but not as their main meal.