Can I feed my Hens anything other then layer feed?

[chicmom]

My hens get layer feed. I always keep their feeders full, so they can take as much as they want. Don't believe everything you hear. Commercial layer feed doesn't force them to lay, it just supports them with the proper nutrition for good health so that they CAN lay.

I know some people love to feed their chickens table scraps, but I never do that. Treats like tomatoes, cucumbers, melon rinds, some fresh corn cobs from the garden are treats that I give. That's the nice thing about having a garden, is that nothing goes to waste. My chickens also like to eat cabbage. You can just let them peck the whole head. They go bonkers for it!

I also supply some crushed oyster shell for them to eat as well, to promote those strong egg shells. It is free choice. I don't mix it with their food.

 

[colebarnhart]

You could feed them fish, steak and fresh fruit & veggies if you want to spend big bucks. I read on here one time about how the next closest bird to chickens in the aviary family is the vulture, so I'm guessing you could probably feed them road kill as well. But for me, that $12, 50lb bag of "layer" feed is so much easier and cheaper.

 

[7L Farm]

I have spoken to an avian vet & he told me that the laying pellets & some greens is all you need to feed your laying chickens. He suggested to actually cut back on the treats. The feed & some greens has all the nutrients needed. But free range is by far the way to go with supplemental laying pellets & oyster shell on the side. O & fresh water at all times. My feed is not organic but I don't think its full of chemicals.