Feed and water

Keep nutrition simple and consistent

Most beginners do best with a complete commercial feed, clean water, and a few supporting basics. Treats are optional; water is not.

What to keep on hand

Layer feed

Main daily ration for laying hens, usually pellets or crumbles.

Clean water

Available every day, protected from freezing, tipping, and heavy dirt.

Grit

Helps chickens grind food, especially if they eat scraps, forage, or whole grains.

Oyster shell

Optional calcium source offered separately so hens can self-regulate.

Treats should stay small

Scratch grains, mealworms, and kitchen scraps can make chickens easy to call back, but they should not replace balanced feed. Keep treats modest so egg production and health stay steady.

Store feed like it attracts pests, because it does

Use a sealed bin, keep bags dry, and clean spilled feed. Rodents are easier to prevent than remove once they learn the coop is a buffet.