Free Range Supplement Question??

[bassfishrman]

I have 25 adult chickens...mostly RIRs.

They free range 3 acres all day. Is it necessary that I feed them lay pellets also? I have the pellets readily available free choice when they want it and they currently eat 100 lbs per month.

Question:
Is it necessary to have feed available for free range chickens?
If not, will my egg production go down if I stop making the feed available?

 

[cmom]

I have all RIR's. I give mine layer feed free choice, because it contains all the nutrients they need. In addition I give them, oyster shells and granite grit free choice. I also give them treats in small quanities and my vegie scraps. I usually grow so much in my garden that they get plenty from there. They free range too. They are happy and healthy. I notice with all the supplemental goodies they eat less of their layer feed, but they do eat it.