Chicken Diet: What Chickens Eat and Why It Matters

When you think about a chicken diet, the mix of food and nutrients a chicken consumes daily to stay healthy and productive. Also known as poultry nutrition, it's not just about scraps and grain—it's the foundation of egg quality, feather strength, and disease resistance. A chicken that eats poorly won’t lay well, won’t grow right, and won’t last long. Whether you’re raising a few birds in your backyard or managing a small farm, getting the chicken diet right makes all the difference.

Chickens are omnivores, not just grain eaters. In the wild, they scratch the ground for insects, worms, seeds, and greens. That’s why a good chicken feed, commercial or homemade mix designed to meet the nutritional needs of poultry should include protein, calcium, grit, and vitamins. Layer hens need extra calcium for strong eggshells—crushed oyster shells or limestone are common additions. Broilers, the ones raised for meat, need more protein early on to build muscle fast. And don’t forget backyard chickens, chickens kept in home settings, often for eggs or companionship—they thrive when they get daily access to grass, bugs, and kitchen scraps like lettuce, cooked rice, or chopped apples. But avoid onions, raw potatoes, and chocolate—those can be toxic.

The right chicken diet doesn’t just keep them alive—it keeps them thriving. Healthy hens lay more eggs with richer yolks. Their feathers stay shiny, their legs stay strong, and they’re less likely to get sick. Poor nutrition leads to soft-shelled eggs, feather pecking, and even cannibalism in crowded flocks. You don’t need fancy supplements. Just balance their meals: a quality commercial pellet as the base, fresh greens and insects as treats, and clean water always available. Watch how they eat. If they’re picking through their feed, something’s off. Adjust. Simple changes in what you feed them can turn a tired flock into a lively one.

What you find below are real stories and guides from people who’ve cracked the code on feeding chickens—whether it’s organic feeds, seasonal diets, or how to raise chicks on a budget. You’ll see what works in rural Tamil Nadu, what urban homesteaders swear by, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cost time, money, and birds. No fluff. Just clear, practical advice from those who’ve been there.