Old-time method: Is layer food really needed?

[SandraChick]

My eleven chickens snub their noses at feed....they free range and MAYBE eat 1Cup of feed a week...basically, it's whatever they eat before I open the door in the morning.

I don't feed layer at all...I use duck feed, because they eat the majority of the food anyway (they eat at night....)- I do have oyster shell out free choice...the amount they eat varies directly with how many are laying and the bug population (when it's colder, the bug population goes down and the oyster shell consumption goes up)

There's scratch and sunflower seeds out free choice which they share with the wild birds.....

They will go crazy over treats.... but if I have too much...they stop eating the treat and go off to eat some grass or bugs.

The more they truly free range...the more they self balance their food intake.

They really do take care of themselves...and like a previous poster, I don't separate my broodies, and they raise their chicks with the flock....BUT I have enough space. There are a lot more problems when they are more confined.

Sandra

 

[ella]

Hey ridge runner. I'm fouth generation on my family farm, I think it's safe to say we've had different experiences. Having lost many of my extended family in accidents and illnesses related to farming. And two entire flocks to stray dogs before I took over. Also keep in mind I said Most farmers so please don't pick apart my post, thanks.

Country freedom, that's a fantastic set up. I wouldn't count on the yards to provide too much of their feed though. Even a small number of chickens will eat every little yummy thing in there very quickly.

No you don't need layer feed, or commercial feed at all, but buying individual grains and components of feed for a small flock will certainly end up costing more. Which is wonderful if you can afford it. But even poor layers go through a lot of good quality food. They are like tiny feathered pigs.

You are going to love having chickens and fresh eggs. Just don't count on them feeding themselves.