Chickens are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of foods including grains, seeds, vegetables, and small insects. Star Milling chicken feeds consists of grains like corn, soy, and wheat, along with vitamins and minerals. Chickens also enjoy scraps from the kitchen, such as vegetable peels, rice, and some fruits.

Here are two comprehensive guides to feeding your chicks based on their age and purpose:

• Ace Hi Poultry Product Sheet
• Kelley’s Poultry Product Sheet

Yes! Protein is essential for chickens, especially for growth, egg production, and feather development. High-quality chicken feed often includes animal or plant-based proteins. Protein sources for chickens can include soybeans, fish meal, and insects. Star Milling chicken feeds are diets designed specifically for the age or production of your birds.

Chickens love kitchen scraps, and feeding them the right ones can be a great way to reduce waste while giving your flock extra nutrition. Here are some of the best kitchen scraps for chickens:

Vegetables & Greens

• Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, Swiss chard) – Packed with vitamins and minerals
• Carrot tops & peels – Full of beta-carotene for bright egg yolks
• Cucumber & zucchini scraps – Hydrating and full of nutrients
• Squash & pumpkin – Great for gut health and may help with deworming
• Broccoli & cauliflower stems – A nutritious crunchy treat
• Bell peppers (without seeds) – Rich in vitamins but avoid the seeds

Fruits

• Apple cores (without seeds) – Apple seeds contain cyanide, so remove them first
• Banana peels & overripe bananas – High in potassium and fun for chickens to peck at
• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – Antioxidant-rich treats
• Melon rinds & seeds – Hydrating and nutritious
• Grapes (cut in half for smaller chickens) – A tasty, sugary snack

Grains & Bread

• Cooked rice & pasta (unsalted, plain) – A good energy boost
• Oatmeal – Warm oatmeal is great for wintertime
• Stale bread (in moderation) – A small treat, but too much can cause digestive issues

Protein Scraps

• Meat scraps (no bones, seasoning, or fat) – Chickens are omnivores and benefit from extra protein
• Fish (cooked, no bones or heavy seasoning) – Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy eggs

Dairy (In Moderation)

• Cheese – A good protein source but should be given sparingly
• Plain yogurt – Supports gut health with probiotics

Feeding kitchen scraps should always be in addition to a well-balanced chicken feed to ensure proper nutrition. Keep the treats varied and watch how your chickens react to new foods!

Yes, laying hens require additional calcium for strong eggshells. Star Milling chicken feeds are fortified with oyster shell for optimal health and egg production. You can also offer oyster shell on the side if you choose.

Chickens can tolerate small amounts of dairy, but they are not well-equipped to digest lactose. Too much dairy could cause digestive issues. It’s best to avoid giving large amounts of dairy to chickens.

Here are some of foods that you should always avoid giving your chickens:

What to Avoid

• Onions & garlic – Can affect egg flavor and may be toxic in large amounts
• Avocado pits & skins – Contain persin, which is toxic to chickens
• Raw potatoes & green potato skins – Contain solanine, a toxic compound
• Apple seeds & cherry pits – Both are toxic to poultry
• Citrus fruits – High acidity levels can irritate their digestive system
• Rhubarb – Contains oxalic acid which is a toxic compound to chickens
• Chocolate & caffeine – Toxic to birds
• Salty, greasy, or moldy food – Bad for digestion and overall health

By using Star Milling lay feeds, you will receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals your chickens need. You can also supplement their diet with fresh vegetables like spinach, kale, carrots and mealworms. Just be aware not to add too much as it will change the balance. Everything in moderation.

Yes, chickens need grit (small stones or sand) to help with digestion. Grit helps them break down food in their gizzards. Star Milling lay feeds all contain granite grit! 

No. Scratch grains do not contain all the proteins, calcium, vitamins, minerals. Scratch grains contain three-four grains only. Scratch grains are a 9% protein. Lay feeds are 16-20% protein. Star Milling lay feeds contain all the nutrients needed by the hen to obtain maximum efficiency and shell strength. Calcium is added to our lay feeds. Scratch grains are to be fed as a treat only.

The amount of feed depends on the chicken’s age, size, and whether it is laying eggs. Laying hens need about 1/4 to 1/3 pound of feed per day. Younger chicks and roosters may require less.

Your chickens will need a steady supply of food throughout the day to stay healthy and productive. Free-choice (providing food all day) is the best option for them, as they tend to eat smaller amounts more frequently.