Chicken Food

Poultry Feed

Chickens need a balanced poultry feed rich in protein, calcium carbonate, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy and maintain strong egg production. A laying hen requires at least 500ml of clean, cool water daily to support its digestive system and nutrient absorption.

Chicken Feed Forms

Livefood: Live insects are a natural, protein-rich treat and an excellent source of enrichment. Ideal for occasional feeding, livefood supports digestion and helps birds express natural foraging behaviours. They are a valuable addition to your feed rotation, especially for free-range poultry or during key growth stages.

Pellets: Layers pellets provide all the nutrients needed for adult hens. They reduce waste, are easy to store, and suit most poultry feeders. Pellets are a reliable way to deliver high quality poultry nutrition with minimal mess.

Crumble: Great for young hens (pullets) transitioning from chick crumbs to layers mash, crumble is easier to digest than whole pellets and helps reduce feed spillage across the flock.

Mash: Layers mash is finely ground and can be fed wet or dry. It promotes hydration and allows easy inclusion of supplements like grit, calcium, or bean meal for added nutrients.

Balanced Feeding Tips

• Keep it Simple: Use a specially formulated poultry feed for 90% of the diet - keep treats like mixed corn or whole wheat to 10% or less.
• Store Smart: Keep your feed fresh by storing it in a cool dry place, away from damp and wildlife.
• Support Digestion: Add grit to help birds digest their food, and include calcium to support strong eggshells.
• Encourage Natural Behaviour: Scatter grains to promote exercise and foraging. This is great for ducks, geese, and turkeys too.
• Choose Quality: Look for chicken food made with quality ingredients like soya and whole grains - the flock will prefer it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 90/10 rule for chickens?

It means 90% of your flock’s diet should be complete, specially formulated poultry feed. The remaining 10% can include treats like mixed corn or whole wheat. Feeding chicken kitchen scraps is illegal in the UK, so we advise against this.

What foods make chickens lay more?

High quality layers pellets are best to encourage laying. They’re packed with calcium carbonate, protein, and essential vitamins to support strong eggs and regular laying.

What foods fatten up chickens?

Grains like maize, barley, and nutrient-rich poultry meal help boost weight. Livefood is also an excellent source of protein and enrichment, especially for free-range birds during growth or molting.

How should I store my chicken food?

Store your feed in a cool dry place, in a sealed container if possible. This keeps it fresh, prevents moisture damage, and deters unwanted wildlife.