In today’s rising-cost economy, poultry farmers—both smallholders and commercial—are turning to homemade feed to cut expenses and increase control over flock nutrition. Formulating feed at home allows farmers to tailor rations to the birds’ specific growth stages, resulting in healthier chickens, faster weight gain, better egg production, and reduced mortality.
It’s also an excellent way to bypass low-quality commercial options, avoid harmful additives, and ensure consistent feed quality. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to make nutritionally balanced feed for broilers, layers, and dual-purpose chickens—right from your backyard or farm shed.
📊 Understanding Poultry Nutritional Needs
To formulate balanced feed, you must understand the core dietary requirements of poultry:
1. Proteins
Vital for growth, tissue repair, feathering, and egg production.
Common protein sources:- Soybean meal (44–48% protein)
- Fish meal (55–60% protein)
- Groundnut cake
- Sunflower meal
- Insects (black soldier fly larvae, termites)
2. Energy (Carbohydrates & Fats)
Needed for body maintenance, growth, warmth, and laying.
Energy sources:- Maize/corn
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Cassava
- Vegetable oil or fat
3. Vitamins
Support metabolism, immunity, and reproduction.
Vitamin sources:- Greens (moringa, amaranth)
- Dried herbs (parsley, basil)
- Vegetables (carrots, pumpkin)
- Commercial premixes
4. Minerals
Essential for skeletal strength, eggshell formation, and nerve function.
Mineral sources:- Limestone (calcium)
- Bone meal (phosphorus)
- Oyster shell
- Salt (sodium)
5. Water
The most overlooked nutrient. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
🧪 Sample Feed Formulations by Poultry Type
🐣 Starter Feed (0–4 weeks)
- 50% maize
- 25% soybean meal
- 10% fish meal
- 10% wheat bran
- 3% bone meal
- 1.5% limestone
- 0.5% salt + vitamin/mineral premix
Crude Protein (CP): ~22–24%
🐓 Grower Feed (5–16 weeks)
- 45% maize
- 20% sunflower meal
- 15% wheat bran
- 10% fish meal
- 5% rice bran
- 2.5% bone meal
- 1.5% limestone
- 1% salt + vitamin/mineral premix
Crude Protein (CP): ~18–20%
🥚 Layer Feed (16 weeks and above)
- 45% maize
- 20% soybean meal
- 12% wheat bran
- 10% fish meal
- 8% oyster shell
- 3% bone meal
- 1% salt + vitamin/mineral premix
Crude Protein (CP): ~16–18% | High in calcium for eggshells
🐔 Broiler Feed (High-Growth Formula)
- 50% maize
- 20% fish meal
- 15% soybean meal
- 10% rice bran
- 3% bone meal
- 2% vitamin/mineral premix
Crude Protein (CP): ~22–24% | Accelerates weight gain
🧰 Tools & Ingredients for Home Feed Making
Essential Equipment:
- Feed grinder or hammer mill (manual or electric)
- Digital weighing scale (5–50kg capacity)
- Large mixing drum, container, or cement mixer
- Airtight storage bags or bins
- Pallets for stacking
Ingredient Tips:
- Buy in bulk for cost efficiency.
- Dry all ingredients under the sun to reduce moisture.
- Avoid any moldy or spoiled materials.
🧠 How to Calculate Nutritional Balance
Use the Pearson’s Square Method to balance energy-rich and protein-rich components.
Example:
If your target protein is 20%, and you’re using maize (8%) and soybean meal (44%):
Subtract diagonally:- 44 - 20 = 24
- 20 - 8 = 12
- 24 parts maize
- 12 parts soybean meal
Total parts = 36. Divide each by total:
- Maize = 24/36 = 66.7%
- Soybean = 12/36 = 33.3%
This ensures your mix hits the nutritional goal precisely.
🧪 Fortification: Adding Vitamins and Minerals
You can fortify your feed naturally or with commercial premix packs:
Natural Fortifiers:
- Crushed eggshells or snail shells (Calcium)
- Dried moringa and sweet potato leaves (Vitamin A)
- Brewer’s yeast (Vitamin B complex)
- Kelp or seaweed (Iodine)
- Charcoal ash (Minerals and digestion aid)
Always mix well to ensure even distribution and avoid nutrient deficiency or overdose.
🧼 Hygiene, Storage & Shelf Life
Poor hygiene in feed preparation leads to mold, bacteria, and nutrient loss.
Storage Tips:
- Use airtight, moisture-proof containers.
- Label bags with the date of production.
- Keep storage areas dry, dark, and cool.
- Rotate stock: first in, first out (FIFO).
Shelf Life:
- Dry feed: up to 3–4 weeks.
- Fermented feed: 3–5 days if refrigerated.
💸 Cost Comparison: Homemade vs. Commercial Feed
| Type | Estimated Cost/50kg | Customizable | Shelf Life | Nutrient Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade Feed | $10–15 | ✅ Yes | Moderate | ✅ High |
| Commercial Feed | $18–25 | ❌ No | Long | ❌ Variable |
Homemade feed can cut costs by up to 60%, especially when ingredients are grown or sourced locally.
🐓 Success Stories from Local Farmers
1. Miriam, Uganda: Grew black soldier flies and added them to her chicken feed—boosted egg size and reduced feed costs.
2. Deepak, India: Uses rice bran, maize, and moringa for his desi hens. His birds lay more eggs during dry season.
3. Pedro, Mexico: Replaced 40% of commercial feed with corn and fish scraps—achieved same broiler weights at half the cost.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using moldy grains or unclean storage
- Ignoring breed or age-specific nutritional needs
- Not adjusting feed ratios as birds grow
- Forgetting to include grit or calcium sources
- Feeding excess protein, leading to kidney strain
- Skimping on clean water supply
✅ Final Tips
- Review feed performance every 4 weeks.
- Record egg counts, weight gains, and feed consumption.
- Introduce feed changes gradually (3–5 days).
- Pair feed with free-range access when possible.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cheapest way to feed chickens?
Use local grains, protein meals, and kitchen scraps balanced with proper nutrients.
2. How much feed does a chicken need per day?
Adult layers: 100–120g/day. Broilers: up to 150g/day. Growers: 80–100g/day.
3. Can I make chicken feed without soybean?
Yes. Alternatives include groundnut cake, sunflower meal, insect meal, or fish meal.
4. What is the ideal protein content for chicken feed?
Starters: 22–24%, Growers: 18–20%, Layers: 16–18%, Broilers: 22–24%.
5. Is corn good for chickens?
Yes, it’s a great energy source but should be balanced with protein and minerals.
6. How do I store homemade feed?
Store in airtight containers in dry, rodent-free areas. Use within 3–4 weeks.
7. Can I feed kitchen scraps to chickens?
Yes, but only clean, non-oily, and non-salty scraps. Mix with grains or protein meals.
8. What causes poor egg production despite feeding?
Could be due to low protein, poor calcium levels, old age, or disease.
9. Should I ferment my poultry feed?
Yes. It improves gut health, reduces waste, and enhances nutrient absorption.
10. How do I know if my feed is balanced?
Observe weight gain, egg size, and energy levels. Send a sample for lab testing if possible.