All Around Feed?

[Painted Calls]

I bought two 40 lb bags. They were already two months past mill date when I purchased them.
I only had 5 hens at the time.
I didn't even open the second bag when the first got a harsh smell and consumption and egg laying dropped off.
I checked the second bag and it also was bad.

Now I check mill dates when I'm at the store and only buy enough feed to use within 2 months. GC

Good to know. I'll definitely be checking my mill dates from now on!

 

[Mr Kingsbury]

Are tangerines okay? The food pantry always gives us bags of them, plus bruised apples.

We grow nearly all our food, so veggie scraps will be easy to come by. (Ya’ know the hardest part of eattin’ yer vegetables? Coughing up the wheelchair!... Sorry. I think I’m funny today.) They do love our compost pile.

Our neighbor just gave us another hen today; I blame you Overo Mare : )

When the first two wandered in I built them a 4’x6’x5’H coop, with one nesting box. They haven’t spent a night in it yet (they roost in the pines above), though they do go in during the day. With the new lady, would that be big enough? Eleanor is currently being held in the coop for a couple days; our neighbor suggested doing so as a way to “imprint” the coop on her. She’ll be free-range as well as the other two.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
They will be safer roosting in their coop, away from predators, every night. They are survivors, and have been very lucky, but everyone loves chicken, and they are helpless in the dark.
I agree that the smaller bag of feed is best, and definitely check the mill date on each bag!!! I've seen very old stuff, especially the smaller bags, at feed stores.
I buy feed that's within one month of milling, and use it up within another month. An all flock feed will work very well, as mentioned, just not a layer feed, as it's too high in calcium for your rooster, at least.
Your coop has good floor space, but sorry (for you!) that it's so short.
Pictures! Please post pictures!
Mary