Chickens can eat a lot of things. And that includes goat feed.
But don’t go crazy with it just yet.
Yes, goat feed is often cheaper than chicken feed. Yes, you might have goats and chickens that you feed at the same time.
But you still need to approach your chickens’ diet with some care.
Here’s what you need to know:
Chickens Can Eat Goat Feed … But Not ONLY Goat Feed
Chickens absolutely can eat goat feed. After all, they’re omnivores (unlike goats).
But they can’t (or shouldn’t) eat ONLY goat feed.
Why?
Because it can lead to nutritional deficiencies. That means a few potential problems:
- Nutritional deficiencies are bad for your chickens’ health.
- They can lead to smaller, abnormal or less frequent eggs.
- They can slow chickens’ growth and development, which can affect their meat.
No backyard chicken owner wants any of that.
Goat Feed vs. Chicken Feed
Remember:
Chickens are omnivores. That means they eat plants and animals.
Goats are vegetarians. They eat plants only.
So, goat feed and chicken feed are different.
Protein Sources
More specifically, chicken feed contains animal proteins AND plant proteins. Meanwhile, goat feed contains only plant proteins.
Chickens NEED animal proteins to be completely healthy. So, if they only eat goat feed, they’re left to get those proteins from the occasional bug that wanders into the coop or run.
Often, that’s not enough.
So, chickens can eat goat feed. But they would also need a supplemental source of animal protein.
Fiber in Goat Feed
The other thing about goat feed:
Most forms of goat feed contain a high fiber content. Alfalfa and other food sources for goats contain cellulose. Goats easily digest it.
But chickens CAN’T digest it. That’s rough on their stomachs.
It’s not a big problem, necessarily. But it shows why goat feed isn’t an ideal source of nutrition for chickens.
Should You Worry if Your Chickens Are Eating Goat Feed?
As long as your chickens are eating a diverse and healthy diet, it’s OK if they eat some goat feed.
In other words, you don’t have to worry if your chickens are eating goat feed AND other foods.
However, if you notice any health problems with your chickens that you believe are tied to their diet, always reach out to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Can Baby Chickens Eat Goat Feed?
Technically, baby chicks can eat goat feed. But they probably shouldn’t.
It isn’t poisonous or anything.
But chicks are so fragile — you want to ensure their diet is full of chicken-specific foods that help them grow healthy and strong.
So, if you can avoid it, don’t let your chicks eat any goat feed. They can enjoy that particular treat when they’re a bit older.
Chickens and Goats Can Live (and Eat) Together
If you’re wondering whether chickens can eat goat feed because you keep (or plan to keep) chickens AND goats, don’t worry:
Chickens and goats can live (and eat) together. Safely and happily.
People do it all the time.
Yes, you need to make sure goat feed isn’t your chickens’ only food source. But remember:
Chickens can eat all kinds of stuff, including goat feed. They actually really enjoy it.