Did you know that the best egg-laying chicken breeds have remained the same since 1874? For hundreds of years, chickens and humans have created a symbiotic relationship, feeding each other and keeping each other company.
In the wake of the pandemic, more and more people are seeking out chickens and building backyard coops. Keeping chickens is fun, easy, and can result in a steady supply of delicious eggs. If you’re a beginning chicken keeper, you might be wondering what to feed chickens.
Your chickens’ diet can make the difference between a mediocre egg and a delicious egg, so it’s important to mix the right chicken feed. In this article, we’ll be discussing all the things you should feed your chickens for the best-tasting eggs. Read on to learn more!
What to Feed Chickens
Does a chicken’s diet affect egg taste? Absolutely. Your chicken’s diet impacts its overall health, risk of infection, and the composition of its eggs.
Protein
Eggs are comprised of protein, and protein is comprised of amino acids. Chickens don’t produce amino acids naturally, so they have to come from their diet.
A good protein source will improve your chickens’ eggs in both flavor and nutrition. In addition, it will make your egg yolks a deep golden color!
Your chicken feed should be about 17% protein. You can add protein with mealworms, earthworms, fish meal, alfalfa, and flaxseed.
Vegetables
Much like people, chickens need their vegetables too! Chickens aren’t picky, so you can feed them vegetable scraps and leftovers from your own dinner table. Consider giving them tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, and even weeds and grass clippings.
Don’t give your chickens too many scraps. If it takes them more than 20 minutes to get through the scraps, it’s too much.
Other Feed Ingredients
You can also add oatmeal, alfalfa, and other grains to make sure your chickens have enough fiber. In addition, farmers sometimes add herbs like garlic and oregano to their chicken feed. Both herbs have antibiotic properties, which will help stave off illness and improve egg taste.
What Chickens Lay the Best-Tasting Eggs?
Through trial and error, farmers have figured out that some breeds lay better tasting eggs than others. Here are the top five breeds to try for yourself:
- Leghorn
- Rhode Island Red
- Australorp
- Red Star
- Spanish
Most farmers agree that the leghorn is the best chicken for eggs, but see which breed works for you!
General Care for Best Taste
A happy chicken makes a better egg. When your chickens are stressed, sick, cold, or wet, they will stop producing eggs. And, any eggs they do produce, won’t taste very good.
Take proper care of your chickens by getting them the appropriate coop, and giving them enough space. Be sure to keep them warm and protected from predators, and keep an eye out for sickness or parasites.
Check here for more info about getting the best coop for the best eggs!
Start Getting Better Eggs Today
Now that you know what to feed chickens to lay eggs that will blow your mind, step up your chicken feed today. With proper care and a proper diet, your chickens will be happier and their eggs will taste much better! Give it a try for yourself and you’ll notice a difference within a few days.
If you enjoyed learning what to feed chickens, you’ll love our other content. Check out our blog for more fun tips and tricks!
