What to Feed Backyard Chickens
A complete feeding guide for backyard chickens. Covers layer feed, treats, calcium supplements, what not to feed, and how much food per day.
February 28, 2026
The basics: Layer feed (90% of diet) + oyster shell for calcium + clean water at all times. Everything else is supplemental.
Layer Feed
16-18% protein layer feed should be the staple. Available as pellets or crumbles at any farm supply store.
- Pellets — less waste (harder to scatter)
- Crumbles — easier for smaller breeds
How much: About 1/4 to 1/3 pound per hen per day. A flock of 6 goes through ~10 lbs per week. Free-choice feeding (always available) works well — chickens don't overeat.
Calcium: Oyster Shell
Eggshells are almost pure calcium. Layer feed has some, but most hens need more.
Offer crushed oyster shell in a separate dish, free-choice. Don't mix it into feed — hens self-regulate calcium intake and each bird needs a different amount.
Grit
Chickens grind food in their gizzard using small rocks. Free-range birds on dirt get enough naturally. Coop-bound birds need insoluble grit (crushed granite) offered free-choice.
Treats: The 10% Rule
Treats should be no more than 10% of total diet. Too many dilute nutrition and cause obesity.
Good treats:
- Leafy greens, pumpkin, squash, cucumbers, corn
- Watermelon, berries, apples (no seeds), bananas
- Mealworms, scrambled eggs, plain yogurt
- Scratch grains, oats, sunflower seeds
Never feed:
- Avocado (toxic)
- Raw/dried beans (toxic)
- Chocolate (toxic)
- Onions and garlic in large amounts
- Moldy food
- Salty or processed foods
Water
Non-negotiable: clean, fresh water at all times.
A hen drinks about 1 pint (500ml) per day, more in summer. Even brief dehydration kills egg production. In winter, use a heated waterer or check multiple times daily.
Feeding by Life Stage
| Age | Feed Type | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| 0-8 weeks | Chick starter | 20-22% |
| 8-16 weeks | Grower feed | 16-18% |
| 16-20 weeks | Grower/transition | 16-18% |
| 20+ weeks | Layer feed | 16-18% |
Don't feed layer feed to chicks. The high calcium damages developing kidneys. Switch to layer feed when you see the first egg (~18-20 weeks).
Warning Signs
- Soft/thin shells → more calcium needed
- Production drop → check protein, reduce treats
- Feather picking → possible protein deficiency
- Pale comb → nutrition or health issue
Cost
Layer feed: ~$15-25 per 50lb bag. A flock of 6 uses about one bag per month. Budget $15-25/month plus a few dollars for oyster shell and treats.