I use commercial feed, as little as possible. I go to my local market, and farmers market, and ask for produce discards. Then sort through it and make mixed bags of all kinds of fruits and vegatables. Also have an organic garden, which is growing larger every year.
I grow a bed, just for my layers. Most of it is dark leaved veggies, and grasses.
They also especially love young weeds, which I toss in the pen, with the roots and dirt. It keeps them entertained for hours.
In the morning, when I let them out, I give them a pan with birdseed, cooked brown rice, cottage cheese, squashed soft fruits or veggies (such as peaches and tomatoes), stale bread etc. They love it. They get meal worms, or earth worms, when I have them.
I keep a feeder filled with Layena laying mash, but the birds only nibble on it. They get a handful of scratch in the am, with grit and oyster shell. Fresh water at all times;
The eggs I get in return for "spoiling" my hens are absolutely supreme. Yolks, the color of sharp cheddar cheese, whites than stand up, in the frying pan. And rich, velvety flavor. My egg salad, is the color of French's mustard, although there is none in there
I clean the house every morning. It's just a matter of raking out, under their perch.
I keep the coop and yeard very clean.
My daughter says the chickens "smell good". She picks them up, and puts her face into their soft feathers.
Oh yes, I LOVE chickens!
