10 Practical Ways to Make Homemade Chicken Feed (and Cut Costs)

Rising feed prices can take a big bite out of your homesteading budget, especially if you keep a large flock.

Making your own chicken feed is one of the most effective ways to cut costs while keeping control over what your birds eat.

It also gives you flexibility to use what’s local, available, or already growing on your land.

But homemade feed isn’t just about saving money — it’s about understanding what your chickens need and how to provide it with ingredients you can trust.

Whether you’re raising chickens for layers or meat birds, this article will show you 10 practical, flexible ways to make your own chicken feed using bulk grains, homegrown supplements, and simple tools.

1. Learn what a balanced chicken feed requires

Before you mix your own chicken feed, you need to understand what your birds actually need to stay healthy and productive.

Chickens, like any animal, require a balance of nutrients to maintain energy, lay eggs consistently, grow properly, and stay disease-resistant.

Making homemade feed means you're in control, but it also means you're responsible for getting the mix right.

Protein (the backbone of a chicken’s diet)

Protein is one of the most important parts of chicken feed. Laying hens need around 16% protein in their diet, while chicks and growing birds need even more.

Without enough protein, your flock may start laying fewer eggs, show signs of feather loss, or grow at a slower rate.

To meet these needs, many keepers add ingredients like sunflower seeds, field peas, fish meal, or cooked soybeans into their feed mix. These provide a dense source of protein that blends well with grains.

Carbohydrates and fat for daily energy

Grains supply carbohydrates, which chickens rely on for energy. Whole corn, wheat, oats, and barley are common choices.

Each one has a slightly different nutritional profile, so it’s better to combine two or three types rather than relying on just one.

In addition to carbs, chickens also need some fat in their diet, which is naturally present in whole grains and seeds. Fats help with energy and also support the absorption of certain vitamins.

Essential vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are often overlooked in homemade feed, but they’re just as critical. Calcium, for example, is needed for strong eggshells.

Without it, your hens may lay soft or thin-shelled eggs. Crushed eggshells or oyster shells are common natural calcium sources.

Other key nutrients include phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and trace minerals like magnesium and selenium. If your mix lacks variety, you can use a commercial vitamin-mineral premix to fill the gaps.

Don’t forget about grit

Chickens don’t have teeth, so they need grit (tiny rocks or coarse sand) to grind food in their gizzard.

If your chickens don’t free-range, make sure you provide grit along with the feed. Without it, even the best feed mix won’t be digested properly, and your birds won’t get the full benefit of what they eat.

2. Create a basic homemade feed mix using bulk grains

Once you know what nutrients your chickens need, the next step is to build a base feed mix using whole grains. This base will supply most of the energy in your feed and make up the bulk of the mix. 

Common grains used in homemade chicken feed include corn, wheat, oats, barley, and sorghum. Each grain has different strengths, and combining a few of them helps improve overall balance.

A basic example mix could be 50% corn, 25% wheat, and 25% oats by weight. This isn’t a fixed formula, but it gives you a place to start.

Depending on what protein sources you plan to add, you may need to adjust these ratios to maintain proper nutrition.

How to mix and store your feed

Mixing your own feed doesn’t require special equipment. For small batches, a scoop, a scale, and a clean container are enough.

If you’re working with larger quantities, you can use a cement mixer, barrel, or other large container to blend the ingredients evenly. The important thing is to keep your workspace clean and dry to avoid contamination.

Storage matters, too. Whole grains last much longer than processed or cracked grain, so if you're buying in bulk, whole grain is a better option.

Keep everything in airtight containers and store them in a cool, dry place away from rodents and moisture.

Where to find bulk grains for less

Buying grains in bulk is one of the easiest ways to save money on chicken feed.

Local feed mills, grain elevators, and farm supply stores often sell large quantities at a much lower price per pound than bagged commercial feed.

Some farmers also sell older or excess grains directly, especially those not suitable for human consumption but still perfectly fine for chickens.

If buying a full load is too much for your flock, consider splitting the cost with another chicken keeper nearby.

Mixing your own feed this way gives you full control over what goes into your chickens’ diet and allows you to work with what’s available locally.

Over time, you’ll learn which combinations work best for your birds and your budget.

3. Add high-protein ingredients to balance the mix

Getting the right protein level in your homemade feed is just as important as the grain base. Protein plays a central role in egg production, muscle development, and overall health.

If your feed mix is low in protein, your hens may lay fewer eggs or stop altogether. Young birds may grow more slowly or show weak feathering.

Even if you're feeding a good mix of grains, those alone won’t meet your chickens’ full protein needs.

Simple protein sources you can add

You don’t have to rely on commercial additives to raise the protein level in your mix. There are several natural, affordable protein sources you can use.

Sunflower seeds, especially black oil sunflower seeds, are high in protein and fat and can be mixed in directly with your grains.

Field peas are another good option. They're easy to store, not too expensive, and can make up a significant part of the protein portion in your feed.

Cooked soybeans are commonly used in many homemade feed recipes. Raw soybeans can be harmful due to anti-nutrients, so they need to be roasted or boiled before use.

If you have access to fish meal or dried fish scraps, these are excellent for boosting protein and providing essential amino acids.

They also support healthy feather growth and egg quality. Just use them in moderation to avoid an overpowering smell or taste in your eggs.

Another simple protein source is alfalfa. You can buy it as pellets or dried hay, and it adds both protein and extra fiber. Alfalfa is especially helpful in the winter when fresh greens are harder to find.

How much to include in the mix

The exact amount of protein-rich ingredients to include depends on your base grain mix and the type of chickens you're feeding.

Layers usually need a total feed protein content around 16%, while broilers or chicks may need up to 20% or more.

You can fine-tune your recipe by checking the protein content of each ingredient and adjusting the ratios accordingly.

If you're unsure, it's safer to stay a little under rather than overdo it, and watch how your birds respond over time.

Balancing the protein in your homemade feed takes a bit of math at first, but once you’ve found the right mix for your flock, it becomes second nature.

The goal is to keep your chickens healthy and productive without overspending on unnecessary additives.

4. Source discounted or surplus grains locally

One of the best ways to make homemade feed more affordable is by sourcing grains locally—especially discounted or surplus batches.

Many farmers end up with grains that aren’t suitable for human consumption due to broken kernels, discoloration, or age.

While these may not meet food-grade standards, they’re often still perfectly fine for animal feed. These kinds of deals can lower your feed costs significantly without compromising quality.

Where to look and who to ask

Start by checking with local grain farms, feed mills, or agricultural co-ops. Some may already sell bulk grains for livestock and might offer better prices if you ask about older stock or off-grade batches.

It’s also worth connecting with nearby farmers directly. Many are willing to sell leftover harvest grains at a discount, especially if they know it’s going to a good use.

You can also keep an eye out at local livestock auctions or farming networks where people list extra grain or feed ingredients.

Some poultry forums and homesteading groups share bulk-buying opportunities, where you can team up with others to split costs on large quantities.

Checking grain quality before you buy

Even when buying discounted grain, it's important to inspect the quality before bringing it home. Make sure the grains are dry and free from mold, mildew, or pests.

A little discoloration or uneven size is fine, but avoid anything with a sour or musty smell. Always ask how the grain has been stored and how old it is, especially if you're planning to buy a lot at once.

If you’re storing the grain yourself, make sure you have clean, sealed containers and a dry, rodent-proof area.

Buying discounted grain won’t save you anything if it spoils in your shed or gets chewed through by mice.

Sourcing grains this way takes more effort than picking up a bag of commercial feed, but the savings add up quickly.

Once you build relationships with local suppliers, it gets easier to access affordable feed ingredients and reduce your costs long term.

5. Use insects as a homemade protein supplement

Insects are one of the most natural and nutrient-rich protein sources you can give your chickens. In the wild, chickens spend a good part of their day scratching for bugs, worms, and larvae.

These little creatures are packed with protein, fat, and essential micronutrients that help support strong egg production, healthy feathers, and good body weight.

When you're making your own feed, raising insects at home or collecting them from your environment can cut costs and reduce your reliance on store-bought protein sources.

How to raise mealworms or black soldier fly larvae

Mealworms are one of the easiest insects to raise indoors. They require very little space and can be fed kitchen scraps, grain leftovers, or pieces of old vegetables.

A plastic tub with ventilation, a bedding of oats or wheat bran, and a few slices of potato or carrot for moisture is enough to get started. With a steady setup, you can have a continuous supply for your flock.

Black soldier fly larvae are another excellent option. They grow fast, thrive on food waste, and are rich in calcium and protein.

Many homesteaders set up a simple bin system outdoors where food scraps are added, and the larvae self-harvest as they mature and crawl out. Once collected, you can feed them live, dried, or crushed into your homemade feed mix.

Both of these insect options are low-maintenance and scalable depending on your flock size. If you raise a lot of chickens, you can expand production.

If your flock is small, even a basic setup will provide enough protein to make a difference.

Collecting insects seasonally from your land

If you're not ready to raise insects at home, there's also the option of collecting them from your property during certain times of the year.

Japanese beetles, grasshoppers, and other pests are easy to catch using simple traps or by shaking them off plants.

You can crush or dry them before feeding to prevent your chickens from becoming picky or from the insects escaping.

Some keepers even toss the bugs directly into the pen as treats, letting the birds do the cleanup themselves.

This method isn’t as consistent as raising insects, but it’s a useful supplement, especially during peak bug seasons when insects are everywhere.

Incorporating insects into your homemade feed gives your chickens a natural, high-quality protein source that you control.

Whether you're raising your own or taking advantage of seasonal bugs, this approach adds real value to your feed mix.

6. Add homemade mineral and calcium boosters

Chickens need more than just grains and protein to stay healthy. Minerals and calcium are critical for egg production, bone strength, nerve function, and overall balance in the body.

Without enough calcium, for example, hens will lay eggs with thin shells or even stop laying altogether. A lack of other minerals can lead to leg problems, poor appetite, or other subtle signs of imbalance.

When you’re making your own feed, it’s easy to focus on the bulk ingredients and forget about these smaller but essential nutrients.

The good news is, there are simple, homemade ways to include them without buying expensive additives.

Crushed eggshells and oyster shells for calcium

One of the most effective and accessible calcium sources is crushed eggshells. After collecting the eggshells from your own flock, rinse them to remove any residue, then dry them completely.

Once dry, you can crush them into small pieces and mix them directly into your feed or offer them separately in a dish.

Just make sure the pieces are small enough that chickens don’t associate them with whole eggs, which can lead to egg-eating behavior.

Oyster shells are another excellent option. They’re available at most feed stores and can be used in the same way.

Some people prefer to keep calcium separate from the feed, allowing the hens to eat it as needed. This works well, especially for mixed-age flocks where not all birds have the same calcium requirements.

Natural mineral sources to consider

Wood ash from clean, untreated firewood contains trace minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

In small amounts, it can be sprinkled over your feed mix or used in dust bathing areas where chickens may take in some while grooming. Don’t overuse it—just a light dusting is enough.

Another option is kelp meal, which is rich in trace minerals and vitamins. It can be added in small amounts to boost the overall nutrient density of your homemade mix.

If kelp isn’t available locally, some keepers use rock dust or naturally mineral-rich clay, though these should be researched carefully before regular use.

Adding these boosters ensures that your homemade feed supports long-term health and strong egg production.

You don’t need a commercial premix to cover the basics—just a few smart additions can do the job just as well.

7. Include safe kitchen and garden leftovers in the feed

When you're making your own chicken feed, one of the easiest ways to stretch your mix and reduce costs is by using what you already have—specifically, the scraps and leftovers from your kitchen and garden.

Turning waste into feed without compromising health

Chickens can safely eat many of the things you'd otherwise toss in the compost, and when done right, these additions can bring real nutritional value to your feed mix.

The key here is to be selective. Not all scraps are suitable, and feeding the wrong things can do more harm than good.

Stick to items that are low in salt, free of mold, and not spoiled. Some of the best options include cooked grains like rice or oatmeal, stale bread, vegetable trimmings, leftover fruit (in moderation), and even small amounts of cooked meat.

These can be added directly to your homemade feed mix or offered as a separate wet mash.

What to avoid

Certain foods should never be included in chicken feed. Onions, garlic, and citrus can interfere with digestion and may alter the taste of eggs.

Moldy food is dangerous and can lead to illness.

Greasy, salty, or highly processed items should also be left out. It’s better to keep things simple and clean—if you wouldn’t eat it yourself, your chickens probably shouldn’t either.

If you’re using wet leftovers, feed them in small amounts that your chickens can finish quickly.

Anything left sitting around can attract pests or grow bacteria. When in doubt, feed a little at a time and monitor how your birds respond.

Mixing leftovers into feed for less waste

Another trick that works well is to combine small leftovers with the dusty bits left at the bottom of your grain storage containers.

This fine material often goes uneaten on its own, but when mixed with a bit of leftover juice, broth, or cooking oil, it turns into a paste that chickens will gladly eat.

This is especially useful during winter when foraging options are limited and you want to keep waste to a minimum.

Adding safe leftovers into your feed routine helps stretch ingredients and lower feed costs without sacrificing nutrition.

Over time, you’ll get a feel for what your chickens prefer and what helps round out their diet best.

8. Forage and collect wild plant seeds and weeds

Use what grows around you to supplement homemade feed

There’s a surprising amount of free chicken feed growing in the wild—or even right in your backyard.

Weeds, seed heads, and wild greens can all be gathered and stored for later use.

These materials are often high in fiber, vitamins, and trace minerals that help support a more complete diet, especially when you're relying heavily on bulk grains.

Collecting and using wild plant materials works especially well in the fall, when many plants go to seed.

Plants like curly dock, lamb’s quarters, and amaranth produce tall seed stalks that can be cut, dried, and stored in bundles.

Once dry, you can crumble the seeds into your feed mix or toss the whole stalks into the pen for the chickens to pick at.

Garden weeds and trimmings as a reliable feed source

Your garden can also provide a steady stream of supplemental feed. Chickens will happily eat many common garden weeds, especially when fresh.

Chickweed, dandelion greens, purslane, and clover are all favorites that grow back quickly once picked.

Instead of throwing these on the compost pile, you can dry them out slightly and mix them into your feed—or feed them fresh if you're not planning to store them.

If you're thinning out rows of vegetables or harvesting trimmings from leafy greens, those can go into the feed as well.

As with all greens, be careful not to overdo it. Chickens still need the bulk of their diet to come from grain and protein sources, but a handful of weeds or wild greens per day adds useful variety and nutrition.

Collecting wild plants and garden extras helps reduce dependency on bought ingredients and adds seasonal flexibility to your homemade feed approach. It’s a simple habit that pays off all year long.

9. Ferment your homemade feed to enhance nutrients

Fermenting grains is one of the most effective ways to boost the nutritional value of your homemade chicken feed without spending more.

The process is simple: it involves soaking whole or mixed grains in water for a few days until they begin to naturally ferment.

This fermentation breaks down anti-nutrients in the grains, making the vitamins and minerals more available to your chickens. It also introduces beneficial bacteria that support gut health, digestion, and immunity.

One of the biggest benefits of fermented feed is improved feed efficiency. Because the nutrients are easier to absorb, your chickens often end up eating less while still getting what they need.

That means the feed you make lasts longer, helping you stretch every batch a bit further.

How to safely ferment chicken feed at home

Fermenting feed doesn’t require special equipment. A clean plastic bucket or glass container will work just fine.

Add your whole grains or homemade mix, cover it with water, and let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Stir once or twice daily to release gases and keep the mixture oxygenated. The grains should remain submerged to prevent mold from forming on the surface. If needed, place a plate or clean weight on top to keep everything underwater.

You’ll know it’s ready when it has a slightly sour smell—similar to yogurt or sourdough starter. At this point, you can drain off any excess water and feed it directly to your chickens.

Most birds take to it quickly, especially in cooler months when warm, soft feed is easier to digest.

Make only what your flock can finish in a day or two, since fermented feed spoils faster than dry feed. If the smell turns rotten or you see mold, discard the batch and start fresh.

Fermenting your feed may take a little extra time, but the results are worth it.

Healthier digestion, stronger egg production, and longer-lasting feed make it a smart addition to your homemade feeding routine.

10. Sprout grains to stretch feed volume

Sprouting grains is another simple way to increase the value of your feed ingredients.

When you soak whole grains in water and allow them to begin sprouting, it activates enzymes that increase the nutritional content.

Sprouted grains become more digestible, richer in vitamins like B and C, and often higher in available protein. For you, that means the same amount of grain goes further—and your flock gets more out of every mouthful.

This method is especially helpful in winter or early spring, when green forage is limited. Sprouted grains offer chickens a fresh, living food that supports overall health and egg quality.

While it doesn’t replace the need for a balanced grain mix, it’s an effective way to supplement your homemade feed at a very low cost.

How to sprout grains for your chickens

Start with whole, untreated grains—wheat, barley, oats, and sunflower seeds are all good choices. Rinse them thoroughly, then soak them in water for about 8 to 12 hours.

After soaking, drain them and spread them in a shallow container with good airflow and drainage.

Rinse and drain the grains once or twice a day until they begin to sprout, which usually takes two to three days depending on temperature and humidity.

You can feed the grains once small shoots emerge, or wait longer to grow full fodder mats if you're working with larger trays.

Either way, sprouted grains are best fed fresh. Any extras should be composted if not used within a few days, as spoiled sprouts can cause digestive problems.

Sprouting doesn’t require light, soil, or special gear—just a little attention and a regular rinsing routine.

With just a small amount of space and time, you can turn a bag of grains into something far more nutritious and useful for your flock.

Start Making Your Own Chicken Feed Today!

Making your own chicken feed might seem like extra work at first, but it offers long-term rewards that go beyond just saving money.

By choosing your own ingredients, you're able to control quality, reduce waste, and adapt your feed to what’s available locally.

Whether you’re mixing bulk grains, adding home-raised protein sources, or supplementing with garden scraps and foraged seeds, every strategy helps stretch your budget while keeping your flock healthy.

Homemade feed also gives you the flexibility to adjust as seasons change or as your flock’s needs shift.

You can fine-tune your mix, rotate ingredients, and experiment with techniques like fermentation or sprouting to get more value out of the same supplies.

With a bit of observation and planning, you’ll find what works best for your birds and your setup.

You don’t need a perfect system to start—just a clear understanding of what your chickens need and a few reliable ways to meet those needs with ingredients you trust.

Over time, making your own feed becomes a natural part of your routine and a smart way to manage your homestead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best grain to start with for homemade chicken feed?

Wheat, corn, and oats are some of the most common grains used as a base in homemade feed. They’re affordable, easy to store, and provide a good mix of energy and fiber. Combining two or three grains works better than relying on just one.

How do I make sure my homemade feed has enough protein?

Include protein-rich ingredients like sunflower seeds, field peas, fish meal, or cooked soybeans. Laying hens generally need a feed that’s around 16% protein. You can adjust your mix based on the ingredients' protein content and your flock’s age and purpose.

Is fermented or dry feed better for chickens?

Fermented feed offers improved digestion and nutrient absorption, which means chickens may eat less but get more out of each meal. However, it requires more time and care. Dry feed is easier to manage and store long-term, especially in larger batches.

Can I rely only on scraps and forage instead of making a full feed?

Scraps and forage are excellent supplements but shouldn't replace a balanced feed. They can vary too much in nutrition and availability. It’s best to treat them as additions, not the foundation of your chickens' diet.

How long can I store homemade feed safely?

Whole grains can last several months if stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Once grains are mixed or cracked, they lose nutrients faster and are more prone to spoilage. Smaller, fresh batches are better if you don’t have long-term storage space.