Chickens are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods. Here are some of the foods that chickens can eat:
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Layer feed: This is the primary food for backyard chickens and is available in pellet or crumble form. It is formulated to provide laying chickens with the nutritional requirements to keep them healthy and consistently producing well-formed eggs. Protein and calcium are key, but commercial feeds also provide a range of vitamins and minerals essential to the chickens health.
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Grains: Grains or pellets should be the largest part of a chickens diet. Chickens can eat a variety of grains, including corn, wheat, barley, and oats.
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Greens: Chickens enjoy a variety of greens, including lettuce, kale, spinach, and chard. They can also eat weeds and grass.
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Protein-rich foods: Chickens are omnivores and enjoy a variety of protein-rich foods, including insects, grubs, and worms. They can also eat small animals, such as mice, and reptiles, such as lizards.
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Fruits and vegetables: Chickens can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, berries, carrots, and cucumbers. They can also eat table scraps, but it is important to avoid feeding them foods that are high in salt, sugar, or fat.
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Grit: Chickens dont have teeth, so they need grit to help them break down their food. Grit is small stones or sand that the chickens swallow to help grind up their food in their gizzard.
It is important to note that while chickens can forage for food on their own, it is still important to provide them with a balanced diet to keep them healthy and consistently producing well-formed eggs.
