I seasonally free range my chickens (at the time of this post I have 26 of them). During the spring and summer months, when the grass is thick and bugs are abundant, I don't provide them any feed and allow them to get all of their nutrition on their own. They lay great, although with free rangers you can never be sure that you are getting all of your eggs. For example, one of my brahmas I discovered had a favorite spot among some fallen logs in our pasture and it wasn't until too late that I uncovered about a dozen of her eggs. During this time they eat grasshoppers, grubs and worms that they dig up, an occasional field mouse or grass snake (what a commotion that makes), greenery, and pick at my flower beds. Plus all of the other thisandthats they find tasty. Then, in the fall and winter, when food is scarce and the days are short, I keep my chickens in their run and provide high protein layer feed and throw game bird scratch a couple of times a day with a few live or dried mealworms or black fly larvae. Every couple of weeks or so, I'll ferment some scratch for the probiotic supplement and to prevent any deficiencies in their crop and gut health.
Personally, I think if you are able to provide your chickens with access to food sources that are readily available for them to free range on their own and supplement their food when needed, you will find yourself with a happy, healthy flock.
For reference, I have a mix of ameraucanas, brahmas, sussexes, RIRs, leghorns, favorelles, and bantam cochins. I also keep 2 roosters that help keep watch of the ladies and who are ready to sacrifice themselves for them. Luckily, I haven't lost one to nature yet. I also cull when needed for meat. Best of luck to you.
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