My chickens free range. I don't give them layer feed, because they eat a natural diet. I give them whole oats, whole sunflower seeds, bird seed mix, mealworms, their own egg shells back( roasted with garlic, thyme and oregano) and oyster shells when needed. That is to supplement if it's a slow foraging day. I add some brewers yeast and garlic, and every once in awhile, diatomaceous earth for deworming. Oh, I make them special, 'feather growing' treats when necessary and I throw them organic matter from the garden. But no more store bought layer feed. I have healthy, big, productive chickens. My customers say I sell the best tasting eggs, not to mention the nutritional quality of pastured eggs. BUT...
I learned the hard way. I spent money on feed they didn't even eat. Every time I cleaned and changed everything, there was layer feed left and my whole seed mix-ins where eaten. They scratched all the layer feed on the floor to get to more real food. SO! That's what they get, and it's much more cost effective. I am, as I stop to respond to this, in the process of building my own mealworm farm! So much money to be saved, and nutritional fun for my flock!
Peace and blessings!
