The Coop Guide

Feeding & Nutrition

Layer feed, chick starter and grower, grit and oyster shell, safe treats and kitchen scraps to avoid, fresh water, and how much a laying hen actually needs each day.

Feeding & Nutrition

8 guides
Feeding & Nutrition

How to Keep Chickens Hydrated in Summer and Winter

Practical tips for watering chickens year-round, from choosing the right chicken waterer to keeping water from freezing and knowing when electrolytes help.

July 3, 2026
Feeding & Nutrition

Fermenting Chicken Feed: Is It Worth It?

Learn how to ferment chicken feed at home, what the real benefits are, and whether the extra effort fits your flock's routine.

June 29, 2026
Feeding & Nutrition

What to Feed Backyard Chickens: A Complete Guide

Learn exactly what to feed backyard chickens at every life stage, from chick starter to layer pellets, plus safe treats, grit, and foods to avoid.

June 29, 2026
Feeding & Nutrition

How Much to Feed Chickens per Day

Learn how much chicken feed per day your hens actually need, whether free feeding or scheduled meals work better, and what to watch for when something is off.

June 24, 2026
Feeding & Nutrition

Foods Chickens Should Never Eat

A keeper-to-keeper guide to toxic foods for chickens, from nightshade plants to moldy scraps, so you can share kitchen treats safely.

June 18, 2026
Feeding & Nutrition

Safe Treats and Kitchen Scraps for Chickens

Find out which treats and kitchen scraps are safe for chickens, which to avoid, and how to feed extras without upsetting their diet.

June 14, 2026
Feeding & Nutrition

Do Chickens Need Grit and Oyster Shell?

Find out why grit and oyster shell matter for backyard chickens, how to offer them, and what soft eggshells tell you about calcium intake.

June 10, 2026
Feeding & Nutrition

Layer Feed vs Starter vs Grower: What to Use When

Learn when to use chick starter, grower, and layer feed, and why the switch timing matters more than most keepers realize.

June 6, 2026

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