Farm chickens may not be fed, at all. If they are cleaning up after other livestock, they might gain enough nutrition to stay alive or even flourish. It isn't too likely if they are a modern breed, however.
Even in the chicken's Southeast Asian home, it isn't unusual for a flock to be a half mile from their village. A flock foraging on a city lot isn't likely to find nearly enough food.
Eggs come from surplus nutrients that the hen has digested. There is nothing very magical about that. Still, it is remarkable if the hen can digest enough nutrients to maintain her body and produce eggs, especially, eggs by the hundreds!
It isn't going to happen if she can't find enough good, digestible food. The dietary needs of a modern, productive laying hen are substantial and must be met or there will be no eggs.
Steve
Even in the chicken's Southeast Asian home, it isn't unusual for a flock to be a half mile from their village. A flock foraging on a city lot isn't likely to find nearly enough food.
Eggs come from surplus nutrients that the hen has digested. There is nothing very magical about that. Still, it is remarkable if the hen can digest enough nutrients to maintain her body and produce eggs, especially, eggs by the hundreds!
It isn't going to happen if she can't find enough good, digestible food. The dietary needs of a modern, productive laying hen are substantial and must be met or there will be no eggs.
Steve
