must the chickens have commercial feed for health?

[beckymrh]

My three hens have free access to our very large yard - lots of grass bushes and trees. The show very little interest in eating the feed, rather just what they find in the yard. I worry that they are not getting all they need. I'm I being rediculous?

 

[Judy]

Not ridiculous -- concerned, which is perfectly sensible. They will eat what they can forage when it's available. You may find they eat a lot more of the commercial feed in winter when there is less forage available. As long as your feed is fresh and dry, hasn't been contaminated with mold or something, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Offer free choice feed, Flock Raiser if they aren't laying hens, or layer feed if they are. Separate dish of oyster shell, and you're good. They will eat as much feed as they need, and oyster shell as needed if they are laying. Mary

 

[beckymrh]

thanks!

 

[RJSorensen]

I have had a similar experience with my birds. I let them free range and the feed in the coop did not seem to go down very much. Turns out that they will and have the ability to regulate their intake, in as far as the needs for nutrition go. It is kind of unnerving at first, and I was quite concerned, but it turns out the birds are doing just fine. I suggest you leave the food free choice, and not remove it. Every now and then my chickens seem to have a slow bug day and will come in and pound the feeders.

I let my birds out into a place that had not had free range birds prior, so there were LOTs of 'things' for them to chose from. They would not even come for mealworms. I am sure they will in December, but not now. Anyway, that is my experience.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ