Am I doing this right??

[Newmummy123]

Hi everyone, I'm in UK and have 3 silkies aged 16 weeks (aprox) they're free range but we are gradually increasing their space as they've got bigger.
They live in the coop which has saw dust under their straw.. the coop is in a huge shed - which I've covered in sawdust also. - is this OK?
Outside was grass.. but now it's mainly dirt and stones- they've done that lol. So as I keep increasing their space they then get more grass to attack! My question is - how important is grass to their diet? Are they ok for a bit on the worn bits or should they have grass as main part of diet? Do they even eat it!?? Lol

Food - they have everything they scratch up bug wise. Plus growers pellets, oyster shell, fruits veggies and meal worms. . Oh and corn as a morning treat. Is this balanced enough?? Do they need this everyday or is the pellets enough a few days a week?

They're beautiful and healthy and growing fast! I just want to check I'm doing it right x

 

[Newmummy123]

 

[The Phantom]

I let mine free range. Not sure with your space, but I think it is the best. Mine will graze on the grass in my front yard in the evenings. You diet sounds good.

 

[chickens really]

You could always free range as you sit with them...Yes, they eat grass and bugs...I would cut back on the corn it will make them fat....

 

[azygous]

If you aren't making their grower crumbles available to them all day long, you need to start. That will make up a major part of their diet. Everything else is just supplementary. You will also need to supply them with availability to oyster shell soon as the pullets begin to lay. You may continue to feed grower even after they start to lay, and since one is a cockerel, it would be advisable.

 

[Folly's place]

They need to mostly eat their pellets, and then small amounts of the other stuff. Now that their outdoor space is bare ground, add shavings and stuff to make a nice mulch or deep bedding, which will be a much better environment, and have lots more bugs and worms for them too. Mary

 

[lazy gardener]

From your initial post, it sounds like you may be giving them too much corn. Corn should be an occasional treat, not even an every day thing. And agreed: once the grass is gone, it's a good thing to turn their run into a deep litter: aim for about 6" deep. Use leaves, grass clippings, spent coop bedding, garden weeds, other yard debris, hay/straw. They will turn it into a nice spongy compost.