Getting feeding right is the single biggest factor in a healthy, productive flock. The good news: it’s simple once you know the four building blocks. This guide covers exactly what to feed, how much, and what to avoid.
What do chickens eat? The basics
Chickens are omnivores — in the wild, the chicken eats seeds, insects, worms, and green plants. In the backyard, that natural diet is best replicated with a balanced commercial feed plus supervised foraging and treats. A healthy diet rests on four pillars: complete feed, grit and calcium, treats, and foraging — with fresh water available at all times.
1. Complete feed (90% of the diet)
A complete poultry feed is formulated to provide all the protein, vitamins, and minerals chickens need. It should make up around 90% of the diet. Choose the type by age and purpose:
- Layer feed (16–18% protein) for hens laying eggs.
- Starter/grower feed for chicks and pullets (see feeding by age).
- Feed comes as crumble, pellet, or mash — all fine; choose what your flock wastes least.
Provide feed in a clean feeder and keep it dry to prevent mould.
2. Grit and calcium
These two supplements are easy to forget but important:
- Grit — small stones the chicken stores in its gizzard to grind food. Birds that only eat commercial feed need less, but any bird eating treats, greens, or foraging needs grit available.
- Calcium — offer crushed oyster shell in a separate dish for laying hens. It builds strong eggshells and prevents laying problems. Provide it free-choice so hens take what they need.
3. Safe treats (the 10%)
Treats keep chickens happy and active, but should stay under 10% of the diet. Popular safe options include:
- Fruit: grapes, bananas, strawberries, ripe tomatoes
- Vegetables: leafy greens, cucumber, cooked pumpkin, peas, carrots
- Protein: mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, scrambled egg
- Grains: cracked corn and oats (sparingly, especially in winter)
Not sure about a specific food? We answer individual questions like can chickens eat oranges? across the Feeding section.
4. Foraging and kitchen scraps
Free-ranging or a foraging run lets chickens do what they do best — hunting bugs, scratching for seeds, and nibbling grass. It improves welfare and can slightly reduce feed costs. Safe kitchen scraps (in moderation, non-mouldy, unsalted) are a great supplement. Give birds enough room to forage comfortably; our space guide and Coop Size Calculator help you plan.
Foods chickens should never eat
- Avocado — skin, pit, and leaves contain toxic persin.
- Green potato and green tomato — contain solanine.
- Dried or raw beans — contain toxic lectins.
- Chocolate, caffeine, and mouldy food — toxic to chickens.
- Very salty, sugary, greasy, or processed foods — avoid.
- Onions in large amounts — can affect red blood cells.
Feeding by age
- 0–6 weeks: chick starter (18–20% protein), plus chick grit if given treats.
- 6–18 weeks: grower feed (15–16% protein); no extra calcium yet.
- 18+ weeks / laying: layer feed (16–18% protein) plus free-choice oyster shell.
Frequently asked questions
What do chickens eat naturally?
As omnivores, chickens naturally eat seeds, insects, worms, and green plants. Backyard flocks get this from complete feed plus foraging and treats.
How much do chickens eat per day?
A standard hen eats roughly 1/4 pound (about 120 grams) of feed per day, though this varies with breed, size, and season.
Do chickens need water?
Yes — clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Hens drink more in hot weather and dehydration quickly harms laying and health.
Can chickens live on kitchen scraps alone?
No. Scraps lack balanced nutrition. A complete feed should be the core of the diet, with scraps and treats under 10%.
What should I feed chickens to lay more eggs?
A quality layer feed with 16–18% protein, free-choice calcium (oyster shell), fresh water, and limited treats supports steady laying.
Ready to plan the rest of your setup? See the best egg-laying breeds, how much space chickens need, and the cost to start backyard chickens.
Related reading: the other half of this topic is what not to feed chickens, covering the foods that are genuinely toxic. Feeding chicks is different again, and the right starter ration is covered in raising baby chicks.
Feeding changes during the annual molt, when hens need 20-22% protein rather than the usual ration. See chicken molting for the full feeding plan.