8 Kinds of Foods Your Backyard Chickens Need

Raising backyard hens is a fun and rewarding experience, and providing them with a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for their overall well-being. As omnivores, hens require a variety of nutrients from different sources in order to stay healthy and lay eggs regularly. Here are 8 things you need to feed backyard hens to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need:

Layer feed: Layer feed is a specially formulated blend of grains, protein, and other nutrients that is designed to meet the dietary needs of laying hens. It contains high levels of calcium to help hens produce strong eggshells, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Grains: Hens love grains, and feeding them a variety of different grains such as wheat, barley, and corn can provide them with the carbohydrates they need for energy. Grains can also be a good source of protein, although they don't contain all of the amino acids that hens require.

Vegetables: Fresh vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they can help keep hens healthy and their eggs nutritious. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are especially good choices, as they are high in calcium.

Fruits: Hens also love fruits, and feeding them a variety of different fruits such as berries, apples, and melons can provide them with additional vitamins and minerals. Fruits are also a great way to add some variety to their diet.

Protein: Hens require protein in order to build and maintain muscle tissue, and it's important to provide them with high-quality protein sources. Some good options include mealworms, crickets, and soybeans.

Grit: Hens don't have teeth, so they need grit to help break down their food. Grit is made up of small stones and sand, and it helps hens to grind up and digest their food properly. 

Clean water: Fresh, clean water is essential for hens to stay hydrated and healthy. Make sure to provide them with a clean water source at all times, and change their water frequently to prevent bacterial growth.

Calcium supplements: In addition to the calcium found in layer feed, hens may require additional calcium supplements to ensure that they are producing strong eggshells. Crushed eggshells or oyster shells are good options, and they can be added to their feed or provided in a separate container.

In conclusion, providing backyard hens with a healthy, balanced diet that includes layer feed, grains, vegetables, fruits, protein, grit, clean water, and calcium supplements is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By feeding your hens a nutritious diet, you can help ensure that they lay high-quality eggs and remain happy and healthy for years to come.