Homemade Chicken Feed: Is It Cheaper and Healthier Than Store-Bought?

When we first thought about making our own chicken feed, we figured we’d save a ton of money and have healthier birds. Turns out, it’s not that simple. The homemade chicken feed cost can be lower, but sometimes it isn’t, especially if you only have a handful of hens. There are a lot of factors to weigh, from ingredient prices to time spent mixing. Still, having control over what goes into our flock’s food is a big plus. Let’s walk through what we’ve learned about making chicken feed at home, and see if it’s really better than picking up a bag at the store.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade chicken feed cost can be lower with bulk buying, but savings aren’t always huge unless you have a bigger flock.
• Making your own feed means you choose every ingredient, which helps avoid fillers and unwanted additives.
• It’s easy to overspend on fancy grains and seeds, so balancing premium and budget ingredients is key.
• DIY feed takes more time and effort, and you need to store it properly to avoid spoilage and waste.
• Paying attention to nutrition is a must—homemade feed lets us tailor diets, but we have to make sure our chickens get everything they need.

Breaking Down Homemade Chicken Feed Cost

When it comes to feeding our flock, one of the first questions is always: Is homemade chicken feed actually saving us money? It’s not always a simple yes or no. Let’s break down what really matters when we think about DIY mixes versus grabbing a bag at the store.

What Impacts the Price of Homemade Mixes

The sticker price for mixing our own chicken feed is definitely influenced by a bunch of factors, like:

• Availability of affordable ingredients near us
• Whether we buy in bulk or just a little at a time
• How many chickens we’re feeding (a handful of hens? A whole backyard flock?)
• The specific nutritional needs of our birds (are they laying, growing, or just hanging out?)

The more unique ingredients we want to include—things like peas, lentils, kelp meal—the more our bill can creep up. If we stick with local grains, it might help, but sometimes tracking down what we need takes more work and extra pennies. There are a few extra costs to consider too: storage bins, possible spoilage, and a little lost feed from trial-and-error mixing.

In our experience, making feed from scratch appeals most if we’re ready to do some research, keep track of prices, and really weigh whether homemade suits our priorities and flocks. We found more on what goes into this decision at home-mixed rations enable avoidance of additives.

Comparing Bulk Ingredients vs. Store Bought

Bulk buying often looks cheaper at first glance, but is it when we break it down? Here’s a basic cost comparison:

Most of us think homemade is always more affordable, but trucking around different stores or farms can add up in gas (and time). There’s potential to save, especially on organic-type mixes, if we buy ingredients in huge quantities. But if we just buy enough for a few hens, sometimes it comes out about the same—or even a little higher.

Does Flock Size Change the Math?

Absolutely. With a bigger flock, costs even out since we use up bulk supplies before they spoil and can take advantage of bigger-bag discounts. Here’s what we’ve noticed:

1. Feeding 3–6 hens: Homemade can get pricey, especially if we only buy a bit of each ingredient.
2. Feeding 10–20 hens: Bulk buying starts to make sense, and savings can show up over time.
3. Large backyard or small farm: That’s when we really start seeing savings; the more mouths to feed, the better prices break down per pound.

If we’ve only got a few chickens, sometimes it’s less hassle—and about the same price—to stick with bagged feed, unless we’re big on ingredient control or have easy access to cheap local grains.

All in all, cost savings from homemade feed really depend on our flock size, where we shop, and how much effort we’re willing to put into sourcing and mixing.

Shopping for Ingredients: Tips to Save on Homemade Feed

Shopping for chicken feed supplies isn’t as easy as it looks—at least, not if we want to keep costs down while making sure the flock gets everything it needs. Over the years, we’ve picked up a few hacks to trim spending without cutting corners on nutrition. Let’s break it down.

Finding Affordable Grains and Seeds

Controlling costs really starts here.

• Buy in bulk when you can: Bulk prices at feed stores or local mills usually mean lower cost per pound.
• Certain grains—like barley, rye, and sorghum—tend to be cheaper than others such as quinoa or amaranth.
• Don’t overlook local resources. Sometimes, local farmers or feed co-ops offer deals on slightly damaged grains the big buyers won’t touch, but are still fine for chickens.

Here’s a quick look at ingredient prices (as of Oct 2025):

Even just swapping out half your higher-cost ingredients with something more affordable can drop your feed bill without missing a beat on protein needs.

Balancing Premium and Budget Ingredients

There’s always that itch to toss in fancy grains, but too many spendy seeds in your mix isn’t practical. The trick? Balance high-cost, high-protein seeds (like hemp or amaranth) with budget-friendly grains so the chickens still get what they need, but your wallet stays intact.

A few practical tips:

• Buy premium seeds in small amounts and mix them with oats, barley, and corn.
• Rotate your recipes based on what’s on sale that season.
• Keep an eye out for seasonal alternatives—deer corn, for example, goes on sale in the fall and can supplement the ration.

Should You Grow Your Own Chicken Feed?

If you’ve got the space (and the patience), growing a portion of your flock’s feed can add up to real savings. Not everything is practical to raise at home, but even growing fodder on the kitchen counter is possible and super affordable—plus, it works even in cold months. There’s plenty of proof that growing fodder reduces chicken feed costs without much hassle. Clipping greens, sprouting grains, or tossing them the garden leftovers all help. The best part is how much fresher it is than anything bagged at the store.

• Try sprouting wheat, oats, or barley in small trays.
• Sunflowers and corn take a bit more work but can be worth the effort if you’re feeding a big flock.
• Every scoop of homegrown feed means less cash at the farm supply store.

One thing we’ve learned: It’s easy to get obsessed with the perfect mix, but most chickens will do just fine if we cover the basics and mix things up season to season. All it really takes is a little planning and a willingness to try whatever makes sense for our budget (and our sanity).

Nutritional Benefits: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Chicken Feed

Sorting out the real advantages of mixing up chicken feed at home versus grabbing a bag off the shelf isn’t just for people who want to save a few bucks—it’s about knowing what’s actually hitting your flock’s feeder. Let’s talk about what separates homemade blends from commercial feeds when it comes to nutrition.

Complete Control Over Ingredients

When we’re making feed ourselves, we get to decide every single ingredient that goes into it. No sneaky fillers or weird ingredients we can’t pronounce—just the grains, seeds, proteins, and minerals we pick out. If Betty won’t touch lentils or we’ve got a hen that needs her grain soaked, we can tweak our recipes on the spot.

• Allows us to skip cheap fillers
• Lets us use fresher grains and seeds, which may retain more vitamins
• Can adjust the formula around what’s seasonal or affordable
• Able to tailor ingredients for specific dietary needs (like allergies)

We’ve noticed that mixing our own feed means fresher meals for the flock, which helps keep those eggs tasting great—and our birds looking healthy.

Avoiding Fillers and Unwanted Additives

Commercial feeds sometimes rely on fillers, by-products, or preservatives to cut costs or extend shelf life. With homemade feed, we’re the quality control department. We know exactly what’s in the mix, and we can leave out unnecessary extras.

Typical Store Feed Ingredients vs. Homemade Possibilities:

Homemade recipes also let us skip ingredients we don’t want—think soy, corn, or certain animal by-products. That peace of mind is hard to beat.

Tailoring Nutrition for Different Flock Needs

One big win for homemade feed is flexibility. Chickens aren’t all the same—the young ones, the old girls, the big layers, and the occasional tough old rooster all have different needs. Store-bought feed sort of aims for the average bird, but it can’t hit every target.

We can:

1. Adjust protein levels for chicks vs. laying hens
2. Add more calcium for layers, less for non-laying birds
3. Mix up a blend with higher carbs for winter months when energy demand rises

And if you’re dealing with allergies or special needs, a homemade diet can really come in handy. Trouble is, getting the nutrient levels just right can be a brain teaser—sometimes we weigh the benefits against time and energy.

There isn’t really a perfect chicken feed for every bird and situation. Some days, going homemade feels like a victory for our small farm. Other days, we just want something reliable and premixed, especially since feed is the most costly aspect of poultry production.

Let’s be real: Either way, our chickens mostly care about two things—being fed and full. But knowing what’s in their food? That’s a win for our peace of mind.

Common Challenges of Homemade Chicken Feed

Potential for Wasted Feed and Spoilage

If we’re being honest, we’ve probably all got a little excited and mixed up way too much feed more than once. Homemade feed seems so fresh, and it’s tempting to make big batches in advance. The problem? Unless we use it up quickly or store it really well, much of it can go moldy or stale—then it’s just wasted money and time. Whole grains keep better than anything processed, but even the best batch loses its edge over time.

• Figure out roughly how much your flock eats in a week before mixing big quantities.
• Only store feed in dry, air-tight bins—humidity and heat are not your friends.
• Look out for clumps, off smells, or signs of bugs in your containers.

Feeding our chickens from a batch that’s off isn’t just a waste—it could actually make them sick. Knowing their meal habits helps us avoid spoiling a week’s worth at once.

Storage and Freshness Concerns

With commercial feed, there’s some peace of mind: it’s made to last a while. Our homemade feed usually contains fewer preservatives, so it’s more sensitive to air, light, and moisture. If storage isn’t right, we might find everything from stale-tasting grains to a sudden bug infestation. Freshness is one of the perks of DIY, but it comes with a catch: We need to stay on top of it.

A simple table can help us track freshness:

If we add anything moist (like veggie scraps), that batch needs to be eaten right away or it’ll go bad fast. A little attention to storage makes a big difference.

The Time Commitment of DIY Mixing

Some days, we feel like we’re playing chicken chef full-time. Mixing feed isn’t nearly as quick as scooping from a store-bought sack. We have to research, source ingredients, measure, mix—and maybe even experiment with a few recipes before we nail the right blend. If our flock is picky (and let’s be real, many of them are), they’ll eat around what they don’t like and leave us with a mess to clean up.

Here’s what we end up handling on a regular basis:

1. Checking ingredient shopping lists, often at several stores.
2. Reading up on what’s safe to offer, even when considering something simple like banana peels as nutritious snacks (feeding fruit and scraps safely).
3. Mixing small batches—a little at a time to keep things fresh.

Sometimes mixing up a batch is rewarding, and sometimes it just eats into our weekend. For anyone short on time, homemade feed can feel like another chore tacked onto a busy schedule, but for those who enjoy the hands-on approach, it can be pretty satisfying.

Keeping Chickens Healthy on a Homemade Diet

We’ve all dreamed about our chickens thriving on feed we’ve mixed by hand. But, let’s be honest, it’s not just about throwing random grains in a bucket and hoping for tasty eggs. Keeping our flock healthy does take some planning and attention to detail, but we can get there together.

Meeting All Nutritional Needs

The most important thing is making sure every chicken gets what they need, every day. Chickens can’t live on love and corn alone—they rely on a balance of protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals to lay eggs and stay lively. We should always aim for a mix that hits all those nutritional marks. If you’re wondering exactly what’s needed, you can check out this homemade layer feed recipe for ideas on balancing nutrients.

Here’s a super-simple checklist to hit the basics:

• Combine a variety of grains (oats, barley, millet, etc.)
• Mix in a good protein source (peas, fish meal, or mealworms)
• Add a touch of healthy fat (sunflower seeds, flaxseed)
• Include a vitamin-mineral mix, or crushed eggshells for calcium
• Always have fresh water available

Recognizing and Preventing Feed Deficiencies

If something’s missing from their diet, our chickens will let us know—just maybe not in words. Some signs to watch for:

• Pale combs or soft-shelled eggs (possibly low calcium)
• Slow growth or low energy (protein could be too low)
• Feather picking (could signal a deficiency in protein or amino acids)

To keep things easy, here’s a quick reference table:

If anything seems off, don’t panic—most problems can be fixed by tweaking their mix or adding a supplement. It’s all part of learning what works for us and our flock.

Feeding Treats and Scraps Safely

Let’s face it, we all like spoiling our hens with treats. But moderation is key—treats and kitchen scraps should never make up more than 10% of what they eat. Remember, scratch grains are a treat, not a meal! Some foods—like avocado, raw beans, or chocolate—should never be given at all (they’re toxic to birds).

Stick to these treat guidelines:

• Limit scratch grain to occasional handfuls
• Offer leafy greens, squash, or berries as healthy snacks
• Avoid salty, spicy, or sugary leftovers

At the end of the day, feeding homemade is about balance. Our chickens rely on us for a good diet, but we can still enjoy the fun of mixing up something special now and then. As long as we pay attention and make changes when we spot a problem, homemade feed can be a safe, tasty, and rewarding choice for the whole flock.

DIY Chicken Feed Recipes for Every Budget

Making our own chicken feed can feel a bit like juggling—cost, nutrition, taste (for them), and convenience for us. Still, it’s possible to nail down a chicken feed recipe that works for our wallet and keeps our flock healthy and happy. Let’s walk through some simple recipes and tips for every budget, plus a few ways to save money by thinking outside the feed bag.

Starter Recipe for Beginners

If you’re new to this, don’t stress. Here’s a basic feed mix to get you rolling:

Usually, we just mix these together in a big clean tub. You don’t have to hit the percentages exact. What matters is avoiding the extremes—basically, don’t let your mix become all corn or all peas.

Getting the right balance isn’t tricky once you get used to it. Start simple and make adjustments depending on what your chickens seem to like and how their eggs or feathers look.

Organic Blends Without the Organic Price Tag

Feeding our hens organic can cost a fortune. But we can keep expenses down by:

• Buying grains in bulk (from a local mill or co-op, when possible)
• Mixing in more affordable organic grains like barley and rye instead of pricier quinoa or hemp
• Growing some of our own greens or grains to use as supplement

A sample affordable organic blend might look like this:

• 40% organic whole wheat
• 20% organic barley
• 10% organic oats
• 10% split peas or lentils
• 10% black oil sunflower seeds
• 5% flaxseed
• 5% shells or grit

Fermenting some of this feed can boost digestibility and help our hens get more from every handful. By supplementing their mix with kitchen scraps and fresh weeds, we stretch the pricier organic ingredients further.

Customizing Recipes for Special Needs

Our flocks aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some birds are fussy eaters, others need more protein, or maybe we have a broody hen who needs a nutrient boost. Here’s how we switch things up:

1. Up the protein when molting or for young pullets by adding fish meal, soybeans (cooked), or black soldier fly larvae.
2. Reduce calories for bantams—too much corn can put on unwanted weight.
3. Add more calcium (eggshell, crushed oyster shell) for layers.
4. Mix in treats like dried fruit, mealworms, or kitchen herbs in small amounts for variety.

The real secret is watching our flock. If their feathers are shiny, eggshells are strong, and they’re active, we’re probably doing something right! A balanced diet also means they’ll get the full benefits from healthy routines, like making sure they have a chicken dust bath available in their run.

We rarely get it perfect the first batch, but that’s one of the better things about homemade feed: we’re in control and can tweak it as we go. It’s a learning curve, but it’s satisfying—and often just a little bit cheaper, too.

Smart Strategies for Storing Homemade Chicken Feed

When we put all that time (and money) into homemade chicken feed, the last thing we want is for it to go bad before our feathered ladies get to enjoy it. Storing feed right doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does mean thinking ahead—especially since homemade mixes don’t have the preservatives that commercial options do. Let’s get into what actually works.

Best Containers for Freshness and Pest Control

The container choice is where it all starts. Keeping feed dry and safe from pests is half the battle. Here’s what we’ve learned after a few close calls with hungry critters and soggy grains:

• Choose airtight containers—think food-grade buckets with tight lids. Plastic or metal, both work if they seal well.
• Skip those flimsy storage bags, unless you want a mouse party.
• Location matters: keep containers off the ground, on a shelf or even a wooden pallet to avoid moisture from floors and make it harder for pests to get in.
• Watch for condensation—if you see foggy sides inside the bin, the area is too humid, or your feed was packed with excess moisture.

How Much Feed to Mix at a Time

One big thing we’ve noticed is how easy it is to make too much at once. Homemade feed is best fresh, so here’s our approach:

• Only mix up what your flock will eat in about 2 weeks—1 month max if it’s really dry and cool where you store it.
• If your flock is small, even a month’s supply may be too much—start with a one- or two-week batch to test how fast it gets eaten.
• Whole grains and seeds last longer than crushed or ground mixes, which tend to spoil easier.
• Buy ingredients in bulk if you have storage space, but never blend more than you can use before things might go stale or moldy.

Small, frequent batches help us keep the feed fresher and cut down on waste. It’s a little more work up front, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.

Signs Your Feed Has Gone Bad

Feed doesn’t always announce when it’s spoiled. Here’s how we stay on top of it before anyone gets sick or turns up their beaks:

1. Smell test: If it smells sour, musty, or odd, toss it.
2. Look for mold or clumps—if you spot fuzzy patches, get rid of the whole batch.
3. Check for bugs—sometimes the storage works too well for pantry moths and weevils, who love a cozy feed bin.
4. If your chickens suddenly stop eating their feed, suspect the feed first.
5. No powdery or sticky feel—the grains should feel dry and separate easily.

Homemade chicken feed saves money and often brings fresher nutrition to the flock, but it honestly requires a bit more care on the storage side. Planning ahead, using the right containers, and knowing when to make a fresh batch keeps our chickens happy and healthy, and us from tossing out more feed than they eat.

Conclusion

So, after looking at all the pros and cons, here’s what we think: making homemade chicken feed can be a fun project and gives us a lot of control over what our chickens eat. We get to pick the ingredients, skip the fillers, and maybe even save a little money—especially if we’ve got a big flock or access to cheap grains. But honestly, it’s not always cheaper, and it does take some effort to get the mix right and keep everything fresh. For smaller flocks, or if we don’t have time to hunt down all the ingredients, store-bought feed is just easier and more reliable. In the end, it really comes down to what works best for our setup and our chickens. No shame either way—happy, healthy chickens are what matter most, whether their feed comes from our kitchen or a bag from the store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homemade chicken feed really cheaper than buying it at the store?

Homemade chicken feed can sometimes save us money, especially if we buy ingredients in bulk or grow some ourselves. But for small flocks, the savings might not be big. The price really depends on how many chickens we have, where we get our ingredients, and if we have good storage to prevent waste.

Can we make sure homemade chicken feed is healthy for our flock?

Yes, we control what goes into homemade chicken feed, so we can pick healthy grains, seeds, and extras. But it’s important for us to learn about chicken nutrition and make sure our mix has all the protein, vitamins, and minerals our chickens need. If we’re not careful, our chickens might miss out on something important.

What are the most common challenges when making chicken feed at home?

The biggest challenges are finding the right ingredients, mixing them properly, and storing the feed so it stays fresh. Sometimes feed can go bad if we make too much or don’t store it well. Making feed also takes more time than just buying a bag at the store.

How do we know if our homemade feed is missing something?

If our chickens start looking unhealthy, stop laying eggs, or act differently, our feed might be missing key nutrients. It’s a good idea to watch our flock closely and talk to other chicken keepers or a vet if we notice problems.

Can we feed chickens kitchen scraps and treats with homemade feed?

Yes, we can give kitchen scraps and treats, but we have to be careful. Some foods are bad for chickens, like chocolate, onions, or moldy bread. Treats should only be a small part of their diet, so they still get most of their nutrition from their main feed.

What’s the best way to store homemade chicken feed?

We should keep homemade feed in a sealed container in a cool, dry place so bugs and moisture can’t get in. Metal or heavy plastic bins with tight lids work well. It’s also smart to only make as much feed as our chickens will eat in a couple of weeks, so it stays fresh and safe.