Cheapest way to feed free range laying hens?

[coupleochicks]

I have two laying Araucanas who free range all day. I take their feed away when I free them in the morning and replace it when they go in the coop at night (although they would far prefer to roost outside). Without the lure of feed, they wouldn't go in willingly. I supplement the store bought feed with fruits and vegetables that are bruised or nearing their expiration date or with buy one get one free on bags of spinach or kale or blueberries or strawberries. Mangoes and avocados are in season so there is an abundance of damaged fruit in the street or on the swale all around my neighborhood. The neighbors are thrilled that you are picking up their fallen and unusable fruits so they don't have to. They also get all the peelings from fruits and vegetables (although they are not happy that the turtle also feasts on the fruits of the kitchen!).

They probably eat less than a cup a day of chicken feed (no corn/scratch) a day.

 

[starterfarm]

My first year raising chickens i had same problem...they always act hungry even when technically full lol but i didn't know an kept giving them food. Feed from a feeder there will be less waste an you could give them access to a compost bin or give them your scraps from the previous day (thats what i do now) and i get deiicious eggs without being eaten our of house an home LOL.