Raising chickens can be fun and rewarding, but feeding them correctly is one of the most important parts of keeping a healthy flock. Many beginners make simple feeding mistakes that can affect their chickens’ health, growth, and egg production. Learning about these common mistakes can help you avoid problems and keep your flock thriving.

1. Feeding the Wrong Type of Feed for Their Age

Chickens need different nutrients at different stages of life. A common mistake beginners make is feeding all chickens the same type of feed. Baby chicks need starter feed with higher protein to support growth, while laying hens need layer feed with added calcium for egg production.

Scratch feed should not be used as a complete diet because it does not provide all the nutrients chickens need. Feeding the wrong type of feed can slow growth, cause health problems, or lead to weak eggshells.

2. Giving Too Many Treats

Chickens enjoy treats like fruits, vegetables, and worms, but too many treats can be harmful. Treats should only make up a small portion of their diet. When chickens fill up on treats instead of balanced feed, they may not get the nutrients they need.

This can lead to poor egg production and health problems. A good rule is to keep treats to less than 10% of their diet.

3. Not Providing Grit

Chickens do not have teeth, so they rely on small stones called grit to help grind food in their gizzard. Beginners sometimes forget to provide grit, especially if chickens are kept in a coop or run without access to natural soil.

Without grit, chickens may have trouble digesting grains, seeds, and treats. Providing a small dish of poultry grit helps support proper digestion.

4. Ignoring Calcium for Laying Hens

Laying hens need extra calcium to produce strong eggshells. If they do not get enough calcium, their eggshells may become thin, soft, or misshapen.

Many chicken owners provide crushed oyster shell or another calcium supplement in a separate bowl. This allows hens to eat calcium as needed without forcing it on birds that do not need extra calcium.

5. Not Keeping Feed and Water Clean

Another common mistake is allowing feed or water to become dirty, wet, or contaminated. Moldy feed can make chickens sick, and dirty water can spread disease.

Feeders and waterers should be cleaned regularly. Feed should be stored in a dry, sealed container to help prevent mold, rodents, and insects.

Final Thoughts

Proper feeding is key to raising a healthy,

productive flock. By avoiding common mistakes—such as feeding the wrong feed, giving too many treats, forgetting grit, ignoring calcium, and neglecting cleanliness—you can help keep your chickens healthy. With the right care and nutrition, your flock will reward you with strong, healthy birds and plenty of fresh eggs.

This article was written in collaboration with Jewellyn Owens, Lead for America Fellow, placed in the UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County office in collaboration with Holmes County Tourism Development Commission. 

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