Free ranging hens change formation in respect to food availabilty

[centrarchid]

I have been watching my free ranging flock and that of a neighbor. Ranges do not overlap. Neighbors birds move about on a range that is nearly exhausted in terms of it available natural forage. They are picking it to death. Neighbor's flock likely get majority of is nutrient requirments met with chicken feed. At this time of year my birds getting most of their food from productivity of landscape with chicken feed making up only a small portion of intake. Neighbor's birds move about with a great deal more distance between individuals (much feed) while my birds move about in a much tighter group (little feed). My birds also move about much faster from place to place. Also interesting to note my rooster always has food when making tidbitting call, neighbor rooster not always telling truth.

 

[6chix]

My flock moves in a tight group, they have plenty of food always availble. Ray the rooster rarely eats when the flock is freeranging, he keeps his head up and his eyes open.

 

[phasianidae]

Interesting

 

[elmo]

Makes sense. I think chickens prefer to stay near each other in a close group. It's safer that way. But if the food in the area is depleted, they'd have to spread out more.

I, too, find it fascinating to watch chicken behavior.

 

[hansolo]

Interesting...