Hi every one, I am new to Backyard chickens and I have just got 3 ex Battery hens they are doing well now . But I would like to ask anyone if they know what sort of feed my mother used to cook up for her hens as I was to young to remember but I know her hens were very healthy on it any ideas what she could of been cooking up?
Well FIRST Now as to cooking up feed. We don't really cook feed all that much. Maybe your mom used to feed fermented feed. I am not into that because it is too much work and mess (for me).. I suggest you get Alflock pellets and feed them that. If they still lay eggs then provide oyster shells free choice. If you use layer feed and they don't lay much, then you may be forcing more calcium into them than they need. Could be harmful to kidneys and liver. You can also use starter, or grower feed. It wont hurt them. Of course treat them some seeds also referred to as scratch. Let them live their golden years in luxury. WISHING YOU BEST.
Welcome to Backyard chickens. Things may have changed a lot since your mum raised chickens. I think any of the name brand foods should work well for your birds.
Thanks for taking in the ex-battery girls. In addition to a balanced commercial feed, you can give them some healthy treats every day (but not more than 10% of their daily intake). Here's a helpful chart of treats: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens My girls are especially fond of meal worms, yogurt, fruit and sunflower seeds. A few little treats can go a long ways in making the birds friendly!