Do I have to buy feed?

[Atl_Mom]

We're getting two laying hens soon that will be free ranging when the dog is inside. We will also feed lots of table scraps. Do I need to buy feed or laying mash? I can't find a place in metro Atlanta that sells organic feed.

 

[ChickenToes]

You should still feed them some layer feed and oyster shells for extra calcium.

 

[chickflick]

Ahh, yeah.... they need to have layer feed even if they free range. How about in winter, what are you going to do? They won't eat as much layer feed while free ranging, but mine still eat plenty of it.

 

[denahli]

Yup, they will need the mash as a staple

 

[chickflick]

 

[rooster-red]

You will need to buy feed, some breeds forage better than others but still need to get the nutrients they require from feed.

I don't know of any feed store around metro Atlanta that carries organic feed due to the extremely high price they would have to charge.