Feeding flock

[newcanaanchicks]

4 hens to be delivered in 2 weeks. They will be free rage. Whats the best feed to supplement the free range and is it as easy as tossing the feed on the ground. I want to keep food and water out of the coop during the night if possible.

 

[Den in Penn]

Any good feed will do. If they are laying a layer would be best. While they can get most of the calcium they need out ranging, it is a good idea to make sure they have excess to calcium, either in the feed or a supplement like oyster shell. I would also use a feeder. That way if you find you have a problem with wild life eating the feed at night you can bring it in. Or look into a treadle feeder you can leave out.

 

[iwiw60]

You really should ask the people that you are getting them from what they are feeding now so as not to disrupt their regime that they're used to.

 

[Folly's place]

I only feed in feeders in my coop; since I quit spreading feed and treats outside of the run, predators and other unwanted visitors have been much less of a problem. Your birds should have access to layer feed and oyster shell all the time; they won't eat very much while they are ranging, but it should be out there for them. Mary