Can You Raise Chickens Without Grain? What Benefits Does Compost Offer to Grain-Free Chicken Raising? Can Oats Help You Raise Chickens Without Grain? Can Barley Keep Your Chickens Healthy Without Grain? Can Rye Help You Raise Chickens Without Grain? Can Alfalfa Help You Raise Chickens Without Grain? Can Food Scraps Keep Your Chickens Healthy? At BackyardChickenNews, we help people who want to raise backyard chickens by collating information and news blended with our own personal experiences. If you’re wondering how to raise chickens without grain, you’re not alone. There are many ways to feed your chickens without the added expense of grain. Here are some examples: Compost, Oats, Barley, and Rye. In addition to these three staples, chickens can also be fed food scraps and manure.