Chicken Feeding Calculator – Chart and Schedule

Ah, the simple joys of raising chickens! But behind every contented cluck lies a careful balance of nutrition and care. That’s where a chicken feeding calculator swoops in to save the day.

Chicken Feeding Calculator

Feeding Schedule For a Chicken

Creating a feeding schedule for your feathered flock is akin to choreographing a dance—timing is everything, and everyone needs to be in step. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast for your chickens. Think of it as their sunrise feast to fuel them for the day ahead.
• Midday Snack: A little something to peck at during the day keeps those beaks busy and bellies satisfied. Scatter some grains or greens for a midday munch.
• Afternoon Delight: As the sun starts to dip, treat your chickens to another round of feed. It’s like their afternoon tea, but with fewer crumpets and more corn.
• Evening Supper: Wrap up the day with a final meal before roosting time. This supper should be substantial, setting them up for a cozy night of rest and digesting.

Remember, consistency is key! Stick to a routine to keep your chickens happy and healthy.

Stage	Type of Chicken	Feed Type	Amount per Day	Amount per Week
Chicks	Newly Hatched	Starter Mash or Crumbles	0.25 – 0.33 lbs (per chick)	1.75 – 2.31 lbs (per chick)
(0-6 weeks)	Grower	Grower Ration	0.5 – 0.75 lbs (per chick)	3.5 – 5.25 lbs (per chick)
Adult Chickens	Laying Hens	Layer Ration	0.25 – 0.33 lbs (per hen)	1.75 – 2.31 lbs (per hen)
(20+ weeks)	Non-Layers	Maintenance or All-Flock	0.25 – 0.33 lbs (per bird)	1.75 – 2.31 lbs (per bird)

Remember, chickens are creatures of habit, so try to stick to a consistent schedule. They’ll appreciate the routine almost as much as they appreciate the grub.

Good Food To Feed Your Chicken

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff—the delicious treats that’ll have your chickens clucking with joy. Here are some top picks:

• Layer Pellets: Packed with essential nutrients, layer pellets are a staple for egg-laying hens. They provide the perfect balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals to keep those yolks golden.
• Scratch Grains: A mix of grains like corn, wheat, and barley, scratch grains are like chicken candy. Scatter them on the ground for a fun foraging activity that’ll keep your flock entertained.
• Vegetable Scraps: Don’t toss those veggie peels and trimmings! Chickens love a good veggie medley, so toss them some carrot tops, cucumber slices, or leafy greens for a nutritious snack.
• Mealworms: For a protein-packed treat, mealworms are a winner. These crunchy critters are like chicken popcorn—irresistible and oh-so-satisfying.
• Kitchen Scraps: From leftover rice to yesterday’s oatmeal, chickens are the ultimate cleanup crew. Just make sure to avoid anything spoiled or moldy.

Remember to offer a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water to keep your chickens happy and healthy.

What Not To Feed a Chicken

Now, let’s talk about the flip side—the foods that should never grace your chicken’s beak. Here’s what to avoid:

• Avocado: While a beloved treat for humans, avocados contain a compound called persin, which can be toxic to chickens.
• Chocolate: Save the chocolate for yourself! The theobromine found in chocolate is harmful to chickens and should be kept far away from their coop.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatic veggies may add flavor to your meals, but they can cause digestive issues for chickens. Keep them out of the chicken bowl.
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes may be refreshing for us, but they can cause upset stomachs in chickens. Stick to sweeter treats instead.
• Raw Beans: Raw beans contain toxins that can be harmful to chickens. Always cook beans thoroughly before offering them as a treat.

Chicken Feeding Summary

Food	Description
Commercial Feed	Pellets, crumbles, or mash formulated for chickens.
Grains	Corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice, millet.
Seeds	Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds.
Vegetables	Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach), carrots, broccoli, cabbage, kale, peas, cucumbers, squash.
Fruits	Apples, bananas, berries, melons, grapes, oranges, peaches, pears.
Protein Sources	Mealworms, earthworms, crickets, insects, cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled), fish.
Dairy Products	Yogurt, cheese (in moderation).
Kitchen Scraps	Bread (in moderation), cooked rice, pasta, cooked vegetables, fruit scraps, leftovers (no meat).
Herbs and Greens	Parsley, basil, oregano, dandelion greens, clover, alfalfa.
Grit and Oyster Shell	Grit aids in digestion, and oyster shell provides calcium for eggshell formation.
Leftover Garden Produce	Tomatoes (in moderation), zucchini, pumpkins (seeds and flesh), and other surplus vegetables.
Weeds	Chickweed, plantain, dandelions (make sure they haven’t been treated with chemicals).
Small Quantities of Bread	Bread can be fed in moderation, but it shouldn’t replace their primary diet.

Citations:

• What To Feed Your Chickens
• Feeding Chickens at Different Ages