What to Feed Chickens and Roosters: A Practical Guide for Mixed Flocks
Feeding chickens seems simple: toss out some grain and call it good, right? But if you’ve ever stood in the feed aisle wondering what’s best for your mixed flock—especially if you’ve got laying hens, roosters, and maybe even chicks—you’re not alone. Whether you're new to chickens or just rethinking your setup, here’s a straightforward guide to feeding your flock correctly.
The Basics: What Every Chicken Needs
At the heart of every flock's diet should be a balanced, complete feed. The type you choose depends on your flock’s makeup and their life stage.
Layer feed is formulated for actively laying hens. It contains extra calcium to support strong eggshells.
Roosters, pullets, and older non-laying hens shouldn’t eat layer feed long-term. That extra calcium can put unnecessary strain on their kidneys.
So what’s the best feed for a mixed flock of chickens?
Use an all-flock or grower feed with balanced protein and lower calcium content. Then, offer crushed oyster shell free-choice in a separate container. Your laying hens will eat what they need, and everyone else will ignore it. It’s a simple way to make sure all your birds—from hens to roosters to young pullets—get what they need.
Also essential:
Fresh, clean water—refilled daily
Grit, especially if your birds don’t free-range regularly. It helps them digest grains and scraps properly.
Can Roosters Eat Layer Feed?
This comes up a lot. While a little bit won’t harm them, layer feed is not ideal for roosters. It’s formulated with calcium levels meant for egg-laying birds, which can harm your rooster’s kidneys over time. If you’ve got roosters in your flock, switch to an all-flock or non-layer chicken feed and let your hens self-regulate calcium from a separate source.
Kitchen Scraps Chickens Can (and Can’t) Eat
Feeding kitchen scraps is a great way to reduce waste and keep your chickens happy, but not all food is safe.
Safe kitchen scraps for chickens include:
Veggie ends, leafy greens, and salad trimmings
Cooked pasta, rice, or oats
Fruit like melon rinds, apples (no seeds), and berries (in moderation)
Avoid feeding chickens:
Moldy or spoiled food
Raw or green potato peels
Avocado (contains toxins)
Chocolate
Onions and large amounts of garlic
Our chickens go nuts for squash guts and cabbage cores—leftover bits from the garden or kitchen never go to waste around here.
Treats in Moderation (Especially for Roosters)
Treats are fun and great for bonding, but they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your chickens’ diet.
Healthy treat ideas:
Mealworms (dried or live)
Black oil sunflower seeds
Plain scrambled eggs or cooked oats
Scratch grains (especially in winter to boost energy)
Roosters don’t have the high calcium and energy needs of laying hens, so it’s especially important not to overdo it on calorie-heavy treats for them. Keep treats occasional and balanced.
Free-Ranging and Foraging: Natural Chicken Nutrition
Letting your chickens forage offers natural mental stimulation, pest control, and supplemental nutrition. Chickens love to scratch and peck at bugs, grasses, seeds, and weeds.
Roosters often shine during free-ranging—they’ll call the hens over to tasty finds and help protect the flock. Even with free-ranging, though, your chickens still need access to a balanced feed and clean water daily, especially in colder months or when fresh forage is scarce.
Supplements and Natural Boosts for Chickens
If you’re feeding an all-flock feed, be sure to provide:
Crushed oyster shell in a separate container for laying hens
Grit if your chickens don’t have access to coarse dirt or gravel
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon per gallon of water, occasionally) to support digestion
Herbs like oregano or thyme as a natural way to boost the immune system
During molting, extreme weather, or times of stress, you can add a little extra protein to support their health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best feed for a mixed flock of chickens?
An all-flock or grower feed paired with free-choice oyster shell is ideal for mixed flocks that include roosters, laying hens, and pullets.
Can roosters eat layer pellets?
Roosters can eat layer feed occasionally, but it’s not ideal. Too much calcium can cause kidney damage over time.
What scraps can chickens eat safely?
Fruits, vegetables, and grains are safe. Avoid avocado, chocolate, raw potato, and moldy food.
Do chickens need grit if they free-range?
Not always—free-ranging chickens usually pick up natural grit while foraging. But if they’re in a run or confined, you should provide grit separately.
Feeding your flock doesn’t have to be complicated. Just focus on giving them a solid base feed, access to clean water, and the right extras like oyster shells and grit. If you’ve got both hens and roosters, switching to a non-layer feed and offering calcium separately is one of the best things you can do to keep your birds healthy and productive.
Have questions or favorite feeding tips? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing what’s working in other coops.
