Keeping my hens happy that are confined to run/coop?

[CSAchook]

I use food from a local mill so I don't know anything about either of these feed brands
Do they have a the same protein percentage?

 

[JeanR]

They can react to any changes, so if you do change feed, mix the two for a while until the adjustment can keep them maturing without slowing thier maturing. Even when starting laying, it is good to mix the Grower with Layer (I mix and use up the Grower or Starter until it is gone, if I have no new chicks growing up.) Always exciting to have the first eggs!

 

[lazy gardener]

Is it ok to maybe put some DE in a corner of the run for them to have for dust baths? I never see mine taking dust baths. I keep their feed inside the coop, but should move it outside during the day as well? They seem to come and go from their house when they want to go on and eat on the grower feed.

If you are talking about just dumping a bunch of DE for them to dust bathe in, I strongly advise against it. It is highly damaging to the lungs. Birds get down and dirty with their dust bathing materials, and it could cause lung irritation.

Chickens typically don't need a separate, above ground dust bathing area unless the ground is very hard, compacted, or frozen. Is your run like that? A switch to deep litter would allow them to bathe in the run and the compost should create enough heat that the run won't freeze even in winter.

Agreed. The first year, I tried providing a dust bath area for my girls in the winter. They wouldn't go near it. But, they have always loved dust bathing in their DL in either coop or run.

DE use is a very controversial topic on this site.

common options are regular dirt from the yard, sand, peat moss, wood ash or a combo of materials.