You do not mention how many you have, but as mentioned from the coop it radiates outward. We have over 400 birds in our flock(s) that range over 8 acres. The acreage is rotated in 3 sections.
Hello fellow Texan!
We are in North Texas. Small organic farm with an average 400 bird flock for egg production, small heard of cattle each season and a large garden. We own a small business, as well as our farm.
We leave them in the bator until they are "dry" then move them out. Also, we remove the shells after hatch so there is more room for those to come. 3 days before hatch time we remove the turner.
We do not supplement lighting or heat. Cost vs production ratio. Our flocks are free range, natural to our area. Heat usually reduces our production more than cold. Winter, at its coldest and least light we will see a decrease of about 20%. This also depends on your feed ration and range...
You can supplement lighting if you want to pay for it. Your costs vs egg production will increase exponentially with the decrease in natural light. Cold temps will eventually increase your costs. The depths of winter are like the heat of summer. Your egg production will decrease and your costs...
de does not discriminate. It is non selective as used. In compost with de to help rebuild the "naturals" we use a mixture of molasses and humates. There are few if any chemicals or naturals that differentiate good from bad. You could use Orange Oil to do the same as a spray. Will do the same...
You'll get the hang of it. They will easily "waste" feed if you have an unending supply. You'll know when to refill your feeders/bins. If you can range them more, they will get the green/bugs/etc they want besides their ration you feed.
Ours free range from 6 am till 8 pm
We feed whole corn and layer pellets. The corn is refilled twice what the pellets are.
Your flock eats the nutrition they need.