Last Tuesday at 6 AM, I walked out to my coop with my usual confidence, feed scoop in hand, only to find an empty bag staring back at me. The feed store wouldn’t open for another three hours, and my twelve hens were already giving me those judgmental looks that only hungry chickens can master.
That morning taught me something every chicken keeper learns eventually: what to feed chickens when out of feed isn’t just useful knowledge—it’s essential survival skills for both you and your flock. Whether you’re dealing with supply chain hiccups, unexpected weather delays, or simply forgot to restock (we’ve all been there), having emergency feeding alternatives can literally save your chickens’ lives.
In this guide, I’ll share the practical solutions I’ve learned through both research and real-world experience, including the surprising kitchen items that kept my girls happy until the feed store opened.
The Reality of Feed Shortages: More Common Than You Think
Feed shortages happen to even the most organized chicken keepers. Supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or simple forgetfulness can leave you scrambling for alternatives. The good news? Chickens are naturally omnivores who thrived for thousands of years without commercial feed.
However, understanding proper nutrition becomes crucial when you’re temporarily managing their diet. Adult laying hens need approximately 16-18% protein, while meat birds require 20-24%. Without this knowledge, even well-intentioned feeding can lead to decreased egg production or health issues.
Safe Kitchen Scraps: Your First Line of Defense
High-Protein Kitchen Options
When commercial feed runs out, your kitchen becomes a treasure trove of chicken-safe alternatives. Here’s what worked for my flock:
Cooked eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled) provide complete protein and essential amino acids. Yes, it sounds weird feeding eggs to chickens, but it’s perfectly natural and nutritious.
Leftover cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa offers carbohydrates and some protein. My hens go absolutely crazy for cold leftover pasta—it’s like chicken spaghetti night every time.
Vegetable and fruit scraps should make up no more than 20% of their daily intake. Carrot peels, apple cores (seeds removed), leafy greens, and pumpkin seeds are excellent choices.
What NOT to Feed Your Chickens
Before we go further, let’s address the dangerous stuff. Never feed your chickens:
- Raw beans or dried legumes (toxic when uncooked)
- Avocado pits and skins (contains persin, which is deadly)
- Chocolate or caffeine
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Raw potato peels or green potatoes
Whole Grains: The Backbone of Emergency Feeding
Creating a Basic Grain Mix
When I realized my feed shortage might last longer than expected, I visited the local feed store and created this emergency mix:
| Grain Type | Percentage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked Corn | 40% | Energy and carbohydrates |
| Wheat | 25% | Protein and fiber |
| Oats | 20% | Digestible energy |
| Barley | 15% | Additional protein |
This combination provides a balanced foundation, though it lacks some vitamins and minerals found in commercial feeds.
Sprouting grains multiplies their nutritional value. I learned to sprout wheat and barley in mason jars—after 3-4 days, you have fresh, vitamin-rich greens that chickens devour.
Protein Sources That Actually Work
Insects and Natural Foraging
If your chickens have access to a yard, encourage natural foraging. They’ll find insects, worms, and grubs that provide high-quality protein. During my feed shortage, I noticed my free-ranging hens maintained better condition than those confined to the coop.
Mealworms (dried or live) are protein powerhouses. A handful scattered in the morning kept my birds satisfied and their protein levels adequate.
Dairy Products: Surprising but Effective
Plain yogurt and cottage cheese offer protein and probiotics. My chickens initially looked skeptical, but once they tried it, they cleaned every container.
Whey from cheesemaking can be mixed with grains to create a protein-rich mash. If you know someone who makes cheese, ask for their leftover whey.
Fermented Feed: The Game-Changer I Wish I’d Known Earlier
Fermenting whatever grains or scraps you have available increases digestibility and nutritional value. Here’s my simple method:
- Mix grains with water in a 1:2 ratio
- Cover and let sit at room temperature for 2-4 days
- Stir daily and check for a slightly sour smell (good) vs. putrid odor (bad)
- Feed within a week of fermentation
Fermented feed goes further than dry feed—chickens feel full with less food, which stretches your emergency supplies.
Emergency Feed Recipes That Saved My Sanity
The “Pantry Raid” Mix
- 2 cups cooked oatmeal
- 1 cup scrambled eggs (cooled)
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetable scraps
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
This combination fed my twelve hens for one full day and kept everyone content.
The “Sprouter’s Special”
- 1 cup sprouted wheat
- 1 cup sprouted barley
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- Mixed leafy greens from the garden
Supplements During Feed Shortages
When feeding alternative diets, calcium becomes critical for laying hens. I crush clean eggshells and offer them free-choice in a separate container. Oyster shell from the feed store works even better if available.
Grit becomes essential when chickens eat whole grains and scraps. Without commercial feed’s processed consistency, they need grit to properly digest tougher materials.
Gradual Transitions and Monitoring Health
Never switch to emergency feeding cold turkey (pun intended). I learned to introduce alternative foods gradually while monitoring my flock for:
- Decreased egg production
- Changes in droppings consistency
- Lethargy or unusual behavior
- Loss of appetite
Long-Term Strategies for Feed Security
My emergency taught me to maintain a two-week feed buffer. I now rotate stock and always have backup grains stored in sealed containers.
Building relationships with local farmers, feed mills, and other chicken keepers creates a support network for future shortages.
Conclusion: Preparedness Makes Perfect
Learning what to feed chickens when out of feed transformed my approach to chicken keeping. That scary Tuesday morning became a valuable lesson in resourcefulness and chicken nutrition.
The key is understanding that chickens are adaptable omnivores who can thrive on varied diets when properly managed. With basic knowledge of their nutritional needs and a well-stocked pantry, you can handle any feed shortage confidently.
Start building your emergency feeding knowledge today—your future self (and your chickens) will thank you when that inevitable empty feed bag appears.
What’s your biggest concern about emergency chicken feeding? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below, and let’s build a community of prepared chicken keepers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chickens survive on kitchen scraps alone?
Kitchen scraps should never exceed 20% of a chicken’s daily diet. While nutritious, scraps lack the balanced protein, vitamins, and minerals chickens need for optimal health. Use scraps as supplements to grain-based emergency feeds, not as complete replacements.
How long can chickens go without proper feed?
Healthy adult chickens can survive 2-3 days without food, but egg production drops immediately. Young chicks and broiler chickens require more frequent feeding and cannot go as long without proper nutrition. Always prioritize finding alternatives within 24 hours.
Is it safe to feed chickens cooked beans and legumes?
Yes, cooked beans and legumes are excellent protein sources for chickens. Raw or dried beans contain toxins that can be fatal, but cooking eliminates these dangers. Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas all work well when properly prepared.
Can I feed my chickens cat or dog food in emergencies?
High-quality cat food can serve as a temporary emergency protein source due to its meat content, but it shouldn’t be used long-term. Dog food is less suitable due to lower protein content. Only use as a last resort for 1-2 days maximum.
How do I know if my emergency feeding is working?
Monitor your chickens for consistent egg production (if applicable), normal activity levels, healthy droppings, and good appetite. Weight loss, lethargy, or significant drops in egg laying indicate nutritional deficiencies requiring immediate attention.
What’s the cheapest way to feed chickens during shortages?
Sprouting grains multiplies nutritional value while stretching your supplies. Combining sprouted wheat and barley with kitchen scraps and encouraging natural foraging provides the most cost-effective emergency feeding solution.