Chickens, including Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Plymouth Rocks, have varied diets, but it's important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious feed. Here are some guidelines on what they can eat and what to avoid: Suitable Foods 1. **Commercial Poultry Feed**: - **Layer Feed**: Specifically formulated for laying hens, providing essential nutrients. - **Starter and Grower Feed**: For chicks and young birds. 2. **Grains**: - Corn, wheat, barley, and oats can be given in moderation. 3. **Vegetables**: - Leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach), carrots, and cucumbers are great additions. - Avoid starchy vegetables in excess, like potatoes. 4. **Fruits**: - Apples (without seeds), berries, and melons are enjoyed by chickens. 5. **Protein Sources**: - Mealworms, insects, and small amounts of cooked eggs or meat can provide extra protein. 6. **Grasses and Weeds**: - Chickens enjoy foraging for various grasses and edible weeds. Foods to Avoid 1. **Toxic Plants**: - Certain plants, like nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants), can be harmful. 2. **Processed Foods**: - Foods high in salt, sugar, or fat should be avoided. 3. **Onions and Garlic**: - These can cause health issues if consumed in large quantities. 4. **Chocolate and Caffeine**: - Both are toxic to chickens and should never be fed. 5. **Raw Beans**: - Raw kidney beans contain toxins that can be harmful to chickens. Summary While chickens can eat a variety of foods, a balanced diet primarily consisting of high-quality poultry feed, along with fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats, is best for their health and egg production. Always ensure that any new foods are introduced gradually and in moderation! Follow up Abdulrafeeh Abdulkareem

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Seven (7) poultry rules for your farm: Do you have passion for poultry and really wish to stay long in the business? Then, obey these rules! A.Rule (1) ..."Only order for birds you can conveniently take care of". This is the most important rule of all. Instead of stocking 500 birds and then struggle to feed them or give them medication, buy 200 ,feed and give them good medication. Trust me, you'll make more profit than keeping 500 and struggling to feed and give the medication. If this happens, you'll battle with stunted growth, recurrent morbidity or disease outbreaks and high mortality. B.Rule (2) ..."Never borrow money to start poultry business unless you are an expert". Of course, there is no expert in poultry business. In fact, we learn everyday. Every stock you take in will always teach you something different. However, Haven learnt from all the different characteristics displayed by each stock, you get to know more and won't be excited when challenges come. You'll know how to handle them without much damage. C.Rule (3) ..."Be vigilant". The little things you don't take as anything matters. If you want to succeed in poultry, you must take it as a real business. Do you know what a business man does every morning when he gets to his store? He pray, then open the store and go round to check if everything is in its place. He take stocks of what he met there and relate with his records yesterday before closing the store. Don't just open your Pen and start rushing to give your birds feed and water and rush out again. Check around. Watch how they behave when you came in. Check what fell and what is no longer in its place. D.Rule (4) ..."Never ignore warning signals". Yes, I call them warning signals. 1.Bad smell 2.Withdrawal from feed 3.Moodiness 4.Withdrawal from water There are numerous warning signals i can't mention here. In fact, they are so many A farmer must know how his birds behaves !! For more Keep following Nicholas Pleysier #agriculture #poultryfarming #southafrica #Zambia #chickenfarming #Malawi #Zimbabwe #farming

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