Before the widespread availability of commercial feeds, chickens primarily relied on foraging and supplemented their diet with various items found around farms. This natural approach to feeding meant their diet was diverse, reflecting the environment they lived in.
Before the twentieth century, poultry were commonly part of general farm operations, where they had ample opportunity to forage. Their diet was largely self-sufficient, complemented by what farmers could provide from the farm's resources and household waste.
A Natural, Foraged Diet
Chickens spent a significant portion of their day foraging, utilizing their keen eyesight and scratching instincts to unearth a variety of natural foods. This foraging behavior provided them with essential nutrients and protein.
Key elements of their foraged diet included:
- Insects: Chickens would actively hunt and consume various insects and other invertebrates like worms, grubs, and slugs, which are excellent sources of protein.
- Spilled Grain: Around areas where cattle and horses were fed, chickens would scavenge for any grain that had been spilled or dropped.
- Plants and Seeds: They consumed a variety of plants and seeds found in fields, pastures, and around farm buildings, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Supplemental Foods
While foraging provided much of their sustenance, farmers often supplemented their chickens' diets to ensure adequate nutrition, especially during leaner times or for specific purposes like egg production.
Common supplements included:
- Grain: Additional grain was often provided, which could include corn, wheat, or oats, supplementing what they found through foraging.
- Household Scraps: Kitchen and table scraps from the farmhouse were a common addition, turning food waste into valuable chicken feed. This might include leftover vegetables, bread crusts, or meat trimmings.
- Calcium Supplements: To support strong eggshells, calcium sources such as crushed oyster shell were frequently offered.
- Garden Waste: Trimmings and surplus from the garden, like vegetable leaves or fruit scraps, were also fed to chickens, enriching their diet with fresh produce.
Summary of Pre-Commercial Chicken Diet
The table below summarizes the diverse diet of chickens before the advent of commercial feed.
| Diet Category | Specific Food Items | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Foraged Foods | Insects, worms, grubs, slugs | Protein, essential fats |
| Grain spilled by livestock (e.g., corn, wheat, oats) | Carbohydrates, energy | |
| Wild plants, grasses, leaves, seeds | Vitamins, minerals, fiber | |
| Supplemental Foods | Additional farm-grown grains | Energy, carbohydrates |
| Household scraps (vegetables, bread, meat trimmings) | Varied nutrients, waste reduction | |
| Calcium sources (e.g., crushed oyster shell) | Strong eggshells, bone health | |
| Garden waste (vegetable trimmings, fruit scraps) | Fresh vitamins, hydration |
This historical approach highlights a sustainable and often self-sufficient method of raising poultry, deeply integrated with the broader farm ecosystem.
