Tonya, next time you buy feed, simply be sure it is not medicated. The amprolium that is in medicated chick starter will not cause an issue with the eggs, but it's simply not necessary, and if you are like many folks with back yard layers, the less chemicals your birds have, the better. You...
They are chickens. That's what they do. Relax. The only other question I have that might have a bearing on what you are seeing is this: How old is that feed? If it's old, or rancid, that might be a possible issue. If it's fairly fresh, not an issue. let them eat bugs.
Exactly
That's the benefit of free range. They are eating superior food while cutting back on your feed bill. Be thankful that you have the option of free ranging them, and enjoy your lower feed bil and superior eggsl!!!
You can save a lot of money on oatmeal if you want to feed some to your girls as a cold morning treat by visiting your local health food store or co-op. I can get it for .79/#. and it is very fresh, compared to the stuff that sits in the grocery store. While you're there, check out the...
I went through this with my girls in the dead of last winter's repeated polar vortex. They absolutely refused to eat. But they were starving. I replaced their feed, even though it looked and smelled fine. I bought Multi-flock to give them extra protein, and they immediately started eating...