if i free range my birds do i need layers feed or can i just use scratch since they are getting the protein from everything else
Scratch should not be used as a staple in the diet. It should be more of a treat really. Layer crumbles is the staple in my birds diet. (My birds are free ranged as well, by the way.) The feed is specially designed for the laying hen and has boosted levels of calcium needed for healthy egg shells and other nutrients that help them along. So if you only want to give them one type of feed, stick to the layer feed.
