What Chickens Eat: Understanding Poultry Feed

What chickens eat is an important part of poultry production. Their nutritional requirements differ from cattle, and outdoor access does not eliminate the need for appropriate feed.

Chickens need balanced nutrition

Poultry feed is formulated to provide energy, protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The formulation may change as birds grow because young chicks and finishing birds have different nutritional requirements.

Feed ingredients vary

Poultry rations can contain cereal grains and other approved feed ingredients along with protein, vitamin and mineral sources. Producers may purchase complete feeds or use feeding programs developed for their particular operation.

What about chickens on pasture?

Birds with outdoor access may consume plants, seeds, insects and other material while foraging. This can be part of their environment and behaviour without representing their complete nutritional intake.

Feed and marketing claims

Terms used to describe feeding practices should accurately represent the production system. One feed claim does not necessarily tell consumers anything about housing, antibiotics, vaccination or processing.

Farm-direct purchasing makes it easier to ask for the details behind the description.