Homemade Chicken Feed Recipes – Soy-Free, Corn-Free
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If you’ve ever dreamed of farm-fresh eggs gracing your breakfast table or the joy of knowing exactly where your chicken meat comes from, you’re not alone. Raising chickens is one of the most rewarding parts of homesteading, offering nutritious, organic food for your family while giving you a sense of independence from commercial food systems. But there’s a hitch—a big one.
For many homesteaders, finding organic chicken feed is a challenge. It’s either unavailable locally or comes with a hefty price tag that eats into your budget faster than you’d think. Sure, you can order online or ask your feed store for a special order, but that adds inconvenience to your already busy schedule.
So what’s the solution? Make your own chicken feed!
Why Make Your Own Chicken Feed?
Homemade chicken feed is more than a money-saving strategy; it’s an opportunity to control exactly what goes into your chickens’ diet. Many store-bought feeds include soy and corn, which some people prefer to avoid due to potential allergens, GMOs, or digestive issues in poultry. When you mix your feed at home, you’re in control, ensuring a healthier, more balanced diet for your feathered friends.
Homemade feed also gives you peace of mind knowing your chickens—and their eggs or meat—are truly organic, without hidden fillers or questionable additives. Plus, creating your own feed is a sustainable practice that aligns with the self-sufficient values of most homesteaders.
HOMEMADE CHICKEN FEED WITHOUT SOY OR CORN
Here’s a simple, soy- and corn-free recipe that your chickens will cluck over:
Ingredients:
- 4 parts soft white wheat
- 3 parts hard red wheat
- 2 parts sunflower seeds
- 1 part hulled barley
- 1 part millet
- 1 part oat groats
- 1 part split peas
- 1/2 part fish meal
- 1/2 part flax seeds
- 1/2 part kelp
Instructions:
- Measure out the ingredients according to the ratios listed above.
- Mix thoroughly in a large, clean bin or bucket.
- Store the feed in an airtight container to keep it fresh and protect it from pests.
- Serve to your chickens in a clean feeder, ensuring they have access to fresh water.
Tips for Success
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase ingredients like wheat, barley, and sunflower seeds in bulk to save money. Many feed stores or co-ops offer discounts for larger quantities.
- Grind Larger Grains: While chickens can eat whole grains, grinding larger grains like wheat or peas can make them easier to digest, especially for younger birds.
- Adjust for Seasons: Chickens need more protein during molting or winter months. You can increase the fish meal slightly to meet their needs.
- Observe Your Flock: Chickens are surprisingly good at telling you what they need. If they’re leaving certain ingredients behind, you may need to adjust the recipe.
Common Questions
1. Is this feed suitable for all chicken breeds?
Yes! This recipe works for most backyard chickens. However, laying hens, broilers, and chicks have different nutritional needs, so you may need to tweak the ratios slightly or add a calcium supplement for layers.
2. Can I add kitchen scraps to their diet?
Absolutely. Kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings and stale bread make great treats, but they shouldn’t replace a balanced feed. Avoid giving them anything salty, sugary, or toxic to chickens, like avocado or chocolate.
3. Where can I find these ingredients?
Check local feed stores, bulk food suppliers, or online retailers. Co-ops and farmer’s markets are also great places to source organic grains and seeds.
4. How much should I feed my chickens?
On average, a standard chicken eats about 1/4 pound of feed per day. Adjust this amount based on the size of your flock and their activity levels.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Creating your own chicken feed might seem like an extra step, but the rewards are undeniable. You’ll save money, avoid questionable additives, and ensure your flock stays happy and healthy. And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about closing the loop on your homestead by taking care of your animals with food you’ve prepared yourself.
By making homemade chicken feed, you’re not just raising chickens; you’re building a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle—one cluck at a time.
