I'd like to feed less grain

[Keara]

My chickens free range all day, and this time of year are eating almost no chicken feed. I have hawks, falcons and kesterals, but I believe in acceptable losses. I have only lost 2 chickens to hawks in 4years.

 

[BLaBauve]

Where do you live? The hawks in my area will grab a chicken 5 feet in front of you. I only have 8 chickens so a few losses would make a dent in my flock.

trust me, I wish more than anything they could free range. This summer I'm going to build a large tractor to move them around the yard during the day.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
AS long as the grass is chopped, your fine.

I read where someone would put their alfalfa inside a bucket, and use a weed eater to chop it for the chickens in winter.
No reason why that would not work for grass.

 

[Keara]

Quote:
Vermont

 

[nursemeh]

Keara, do you have a rooster looking out for your flock? Just curious.

To the OP, I agree with your desire to feed less grain-based feed and more natural stuff, but I think they should be able to free-range to help them find a balanced diet. Great that you are planning a chicken tractor!

We free range and they eat a lot less packaged feed when they are able to be out and about, esp this time of year. We had a rooster for awhile and I felt that the flock learned a lot about looking for food and being safe with him around. We have hawks in our area- but the chickens just seem to know when to run and hide. I've watched them and they rarely stay our in the middle of an open area for long. There is nothing more relaxing than watching them scratch and hunt and peck.

I know that some just can't free range due to predators, and I am sorry for that- I think that is where a chicken tractor makes a great option!