Feed & Nutrition
Practical, sourced guides on Feed & Nutrition for backyard keepers of every level.
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Every guide is sourced from university extensions, USDA guidance and real backyard experience.
What to feed chickens: complete-feed basics, daily amounts, and what to avoid
Backyard chickens need a complete feed matched to their age, about a quarter pound per day, clean water…
9 min read
Treats and what not to feed chickens: the complete keeper's guide
Safe treats, the 90/10 rule, full toxic food list, and kitchen scrap guidelines for backyard chickens. Practical advice…
10 min read
Scratch grains for chickens: why it's a treat, not a meal, and how much is safe
Scratch grains are a fun chicken treat, not a complete diet. Learn the 90/10 rule, the winter warmth…
7 min read
Plants to grow for chickens: the best forage, herbs, vegetables, and flowers (plus what to avoid)
Grow greens, herbs, sunflowers, and squash your flock will actually eat. Includes a quick-reference safe/avoid chart and a…
9 min read
Oyster shell vs grit: two supplements, two completely different jobs
Oyster shell supplies calcium for eggshells; grit helps the gizzard grind food. Learn which hens need which, when…
7 min read
Organic vs conventional chicken feed: what the label means, what you pay, and when it matters
Organic chicken feed costs 30-50% more than conventional. Here's exactly what the USDA label requires, what you get…
8 min read
Layer feed guide: what it is, when to switch, and how to choose the right one for your hens
Complete guide to chicken layer feed: protein and calcium requirements, when to switch from starter, pellets vs crumbles,…
11 min read
How much to feed a chicken per day: amounts by life stage, bag math, and seasonal tweaks
A standard laying hen eats about 1/4 lb (100-150 g) of feed per day. Learn exact amounts by…
10 min read
Growing fodder and greens for chickens: what actually works and what to watch out for
Learn how to grow sprouted fodder trays and garden greens for chickens, with real nutrition numbers, mold safety…
10 min read
Fermented chicken feed: what it actually does, how to do it safely, and whether the claims hold up
Learn how to ferment chicken feed safely, what the science says about benefits like gut health and egg…
10 min readNot sure how big to build?
Slide to your flock size and get the coop, run, roost and nest-box numbers in seconds, sized to university-extension standards.