A good chicken-feeding routine is built around consistency: an appropriate complete feed, fresh water, access to grit and treats kept in proportion. Backyard hens are enthusiastic eaters, but a varied-looking diet is not automatically a balanced one.
The RSPCA recommends using a complete chicken feed from a reputable supplier because it is formulated to provide the nutrients hens need. Feed should also be appropriate for the birds’ age and stage of life. Chicks, growers and laying hens have different nutritional requirements, so it is worth checking the label rather than choosing on appearance alone.
Start with a complete poultry feed
For most backyard hens, a suitable complete feed should form the foundation of the diet. Layer pellets or mash are commonly used for adult laying hens, while chicks need an age-appropriate starter feed.
Complete feed matters because chickens need the right balance of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. Giving too many extras can dilute that balance, especially if birds fill up on treats before eating enough of their main ration.
You can explore our Chicken Feed & Treats collection for poultry feed, grit and enrichment products currently available through Wellbeing Pets.
Fresh water is essential
Chickens should have constant access to clean, fresh water. Drinkers need to be kept clean and positioned so they are easy for the flock to reach without becoming filled with litter or droppings.
In warm weather, water demand can rise quickly. During colder conditions, check that supplies have not frozen. For young chicks, use equipment designed for their size to reduce the risk of them climbing into deeper containers.
Our Chicken Feeders & Drinkers collection includes different capacities for chicks and adult birds, which can make daily feeding and watering easier to manage.
Why chickens need grit
Chickens do not chew food with teeth. Instead, insoluble grit helps the gizzard grind food. Laying hens may also be offered a suitable source of calcium where appropriate for their feeding programme.
Grit should not be confused with ordinary garden stones or sand. Use a poultry product intended for the age and type of bird you keep and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Where treats fit
Treats can be useful for enrichment and encouraging natural pecking and foraging behaviours, but they should remain a smaller part of the overall diet. Pecking blocks, dried insects and seed-based products can add interest without replacing a complete feed.
One simple rule is to make sure treats do not displace the food that has been formulated to meet the flock’s nutritional needs. If egg production, body condition or feather quality changes, look at the whole feeding routine rather than simply adding more extras.
Do not feed kitchen scraps
This is an important UK rule that catches some new chicken keepers by surprise. GOV.UK guidance says catering waste and household kitchen scraps must not be fed to farmed animals, including poultry, because of animal-disease risks. The restriction applies even when chickens are kept as pets.
Garden-grown fruit or vegetables that have not entered a kitchen may be treated differently under the rules, but kitchen waste should stay off the menu. If you are unsure, check the latest government guidance rather than relying on informal social-media advice.
When supplements may be useful
Some owners use complementary poultry products during periods such as moulting, hot weather, transport or other changes in routine. These should sit alongside a balanced diet rather than replace it.
Our Chicken Supplements & Tonics collection brings together products such as poultry tonics, cider-vinegar products and complementary nutritional support. Follow each label carefully and avoid stacking several products with overlapping ingredients without a clear reason.
Watch the flock, not just the feed scoop
Feeding is only working if the birds are doing well. Keep an eye on appetite, body condition, droppings, feathering, activity and egg production. Sudden changes can have many causes, including illness, parasites, stress and environmental changes.
If a hen becomes dull, stops eating, loses condition or develops persistent digestive or respiratory signs, seek advice from a veterinary professional experienced with poultry.
A simple daily feeding routine
A practical routine is to provide the appropriate complete feed, keep clean water available, offer suitable grit, use treats modestly and check the flock each day. Store feed somewhere cool, dry and protected from rodents and wild birds.
For the full range of poultry products, visit Chicken Wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chickens live on treats and mixed corn?
No. Treats and mixed grains are not a substitute for a nutritionally complete poultry feed. They are best used as a smaller part of a balanced feeding routine.
Do hens need grit?
Chickens use insoluble grit in the gizzard to help grind food. Choose a poultry grit suitable for your birds and follow the feeding guidance.
Can I give my hens leftovers from the kitchen?
UK rules prohibit feeding household kitchen scraps and catering waste to farmed animals, including chickens kept as pets. Check current GOV.UK guidance if you are uncertain about a particular food source.
When should I change my chickens' feed?
Changes may be needed as birds move from chick to grower to laying stages, or when advised by a vet or poultry specialist. Make feed changes gradually where practical and follow the product instructions.
Further reading
See the RSPCA’s backyard chicken care guidance and GOV.UK guidance on what can and cannot be fed to farm animals.
This article provides general husbandry information and does not replace veterinary or professional poultry nutrition advice.