Chicken Feed

Chickens are essentially tiny dinosaurs that will eat almost anything, but a balanced commercial crumble or pellet should be their main source of nutrition. Most owners supplement this with scratch grains, which act as a high-energy treat for those cold mornings. It’s also vital to provide grit, small stones that stay in the gizzard, to help them grind up their food since they don’t have teeth. Kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings and fruit are great, but avoid anything salty, sugary, or caffeinated. A well-fed hen is a productive hen, and variety keeps the flock engaged and healthy.

Local supply stores like Nixa Hardware are the best bet for finding specialized poultry nutrition in Southwest Missouri. They carry a variety of textures, from fine crumbles for young pullets to hearty pellets that reduce waste in the coop. Choosing a local source means the feed is often fresher, which is better for the birds’ digestion and overall health. Plus, you can usually find supplemental items like mealworms or specialty suet blocks that aren’t always available at big-box retailers. Getting your supplies from a community staple ensures you have access to expert advice along with your bags of grain.

Wait until your birds are roughly four or five months old before moving them off their grower rations. High-calcium layer feed is designed specifically for birds that are actively putting minerals into shells; for younger chicks, that same calcium level can be toxic. Many poultry owners wait for the physical signs of maturity, like combs and wattles turning a bright, waxy red, before making the change. Once they hit that milestone, the specialized formula provides the protein and minerals they need to sustain a long, healthy laying career. Transitioning slowly helps the birds adjust to the new taste and texture without stress.