My odd hours of observations in part a function of work but still relavent.
Observation made initially on free range birds that are not confined while on roost. If you have good guard animal such as dog and / or myself, then lock down not only option for predator control. Birds of initial observation roost in elavated location just under lamp or in trees. Birds on porch I can hear flying and making usual contact calls as milling around in yard. Activity otherwise appears related to preening. Upon seeing birds walking in yard I went to coops that are closed dusk till dawn and those birds were down and about in coops as well. Moonlight has been bright enough over last two nights that I can see colors and read. I still think light levels too low to enable feeding or some other factor is preventing feeding at this time.
Daily feed intake requirments are increasing owing to decreasing temperatures which over ride requirements needed to support activity. Also requirments up do to ongoing molt (feather replacement as well as reduced insulation for body core). As you note forage base is collapsing on side of insects and greens soon to follow. My birds can compensate by extending their foraging ranges which they are doing. Duration of night getting long enough that crops are evacuated / emptied well before refeeding the following morning. Just a couple months ago I could go out and feel crops and detect grain even as late as 4:00 AM. They were also going to roost almost two hours later.
My birds also fed with formulated feeds and intact grains serving as staple. The feed container is not allowed to empty yet I estimate at least a 1/3 of intake is acquired from foraging. The appear to fill up at feeders only twice a day with 15 minute feeding bouts, balance of foraging in pasture which their ranges now include nearly 4 acres of.
