My free range chickens don't seem to like feed. They range in the back yard all day. I keep both crumbles and pellets out for them, and they eat a little bit. I've tried different brands. They do dig in the compost pile and get some wild bird feeder droppings. (They get grit and just started providing oyster shell). We don't generate a lot of food waste, and I do feed them a couple bags of spinach a week; especially since it 'winter' (Texas) and there isn't as much green in the yard. My question is, will they get what they need in their diet? One of them just started laying at 17 weeks, and the two little eggs look to be in good shape and the birdy-babies look ok, too.
I would say if they look healthy, (the keel bone test and by body weight can be misleading) then they are probably getting enough to eat.
The chickens here didn’t like the layers pellets I used to feed them.
I tried various feeds. Now I’ve found one they like and while this seems good, it has meant they don’t forage as much as they used to.
Whether the balance is right now, or not, I have no idea.
I would go about it like this.
Check their crops at night while they are on their roosts. If the crops are firm and full, then they are getting quantity. It’s very hard to tell if the quality is right. I don’t think the commercial feeds do give the right quality given they are generally grain/seed based with added supplements. Chickens are omnivorous and the bugs and stuff they pick up free ranging may be better for their overall health than the stuff you can buy.
If their eggs seem fine, good strong shells and the laying rate is comparable to other hens of that breed then again, it would seem they are getting what they need.
Being able to get what they need for good health, rather than just survival changes with the seasons. Winter can be difficult for chickens who feed mainly free range.
If they have access to a commercial feed, when they are hungry they will eat it.
If you want to encourage them to eat more of the commercial feed then making a mash (adding enough water to make a thick paste) may help.
I’ve found adding warm water to make a mash in the mornings is popular with the chickens and I at least know they had a proper breakfast.
Chicks/babies should have a medicated feed to help build resistance to coccidia.
Some people don't do this and the chicks are fine but imo it's a risk. Sick chicks fade and die very fast.
