Feed and nutrition for back yard poultry

Like all other animals, poultry require well-balanced nutrition and feed. Chickens cannot lay good quality eggs on a poor-quality diet that does not meet their requirements. Their requirements change according to the age and the production stage of the bird.

For example, feed for chickens that are laying eggs are high in calcium, which is good for layers but can cause kidney damage in young growing birds, males, or chicks, so ensure to buy separate feed for  to meet the requirements of the other groups.

While you can supplement the birds' diet with some kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetables, be aware that solely kitchen scraps will not provide a well-balanced diet. Chickens do not have teeth so rely on grinding their food with their stomach. It is a good idea to supplement the birds’ diet with grit such as crushed oyster shells to grind food.

The common problems with backyard poultry fed on only kitchen scraps are:

• Calcium deficiency, that leads to poor bone growth and strength.
• Protein deficiency, which causes the poor growth and a decreased number of eggs produced
• Energy deficiency which causes poor growth, weight loss, and poor egg production.
• Vitamin A deficiency which causes poor skin and feathering.
• Introduction of diseases (e.g. Salmonella) from kitchen scraps

Never feed your birds:

• Raw green potato peels, raw tomatoes or raw eggplants as these contain a toxic substance called solanine.
• Anything salty, high in sugar or high in fat
• Raw, or dry beans, as these contain a toxic substance called hemagglutinin.
• Avocado skin and pit skin as these contain a toxic substance called persin.