Best layer feed for free range hens

[Cap26651]

What’s the best layer feed for free range chickens? Only stores local to me is tractor supply and southern states “ they mostly free range in the woods more then the field” and is there any kind of bug/nut/leaves that can hurt my hens when they range in the woods?

 

[HeatherKellyB]

@Kiki has a wonderful chart on all of the different feeds that you may find helpful. You can find the chart under her signature
A few more folks that have a vast knowledge about nutrition, among many other things are
@EggSighted4Life
@Ridgerunner
@rosemarythyme

And that's only a few of the amazing folks here. I wish you the best with your flock

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Personally, I like a feed that's an "all flock", "Flock Raiser", "Flock Maker", etc. If you have any hens that aren't laying or have a rooster, this type of feed will work well for all of them. I always have oyster shell AND crushed eggshells as well as grit available for my birds. I use both calcium supplements because some of my hens like the eggshells better. If I have a hen that's having shell quality issues, I will feed her flock layer feed and if I do that, I've found that I really like Kalmbach layer but I like Nutrena Hearty Hen's protein levels. There are feeds available for so many things

So it's really a personal preference. I know that many folks like to feed layer feed strictly so I suggest you feed whatever complete and balanced feed that works best for your flock

 

[Kiki]

What’s the best layer feed for free range chickens? Only stores local to me is tractor supply and southern states “ they mostly free range in the woods more then the field” and is there any kind of bug/nut/leaves that can hurt my hens when they range in the woods?

The best layer type feed is what your local store carries and if fresh.
Layer feed is a better choice for laying birds as compared to an all flock type feed.

Also be sure to buy a crumble or pelleted type feed. Not a while grain type which gives them the option to choose which grains to eat and which ones not to eat which will cause them to not have a balanced diet.

Not getting a balanced diet will cause problems.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I forgot about that! Kiki mentioned it. Mill date/fresh feed is important, even if the store associates tell you otherwise.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't free range so not sure if that makes a difference as far as what you'd want to feed them. A feed that's readily available in your area with good mill dates would be "best" in a general sense but what that is will vary from area to area.

 

[Swannie]

here in the U.K. Allen and Page smallholders layers pellets or chick crumb is the best feed. My point of lays have the layers pellets and the babies have the chick crumb