A layers pellet or crumble contains enough of the calcium, protein and nutrients required to produce great eggs and healthy birds. Both soluble and insoluble grits should be offered at all times, the insoluble helps break down the mixed grains you may feed your birds, the soluble helps shell...
We use a wood shaving we get from a local sawmill, 70p for a huge bag, normally £5 will last us 6 months or more. Nothing too fine of course as it can play havoc with their breathing. It's very absorbent and we rarely have any odours to speak of. We also use it for the ducks with a thick layer...
We pick a lot of dandelion leaves off the farm at the back of our house, the ducks and hens go mad for them! Elderberries are another of their favourites, always freely available at this time of year.