Percent protein in feed if free range ?

[kyron4]

Okay, here's a little more detail. The 2 acres are connected to a woods/brushy area to the east with wild grapes, mulberries, etc. To the north is a small creek (dried up at the moment) surrounded by willows and cattails. To the south is a 12 acre corn field. The property is out in the middle of no where, no fences, no manicured carpet lawns. A small bowl of oyster shells are keep out for the birds. Wife works at school café. and brings home lettuce and fruit rinds for the birds about twice a week. They travel the entire property, and beyond, (ugh !) foraging.

 

[centrarchid]

Okay, here's a little more detail. The 2 acres are connected to a woods/brushy area to the east with wild grapes, mulberries, etc. To the north is a small creek (dried up at the moment) surrounded by willows and cattails. To the south is a 12 acre corn field. The property is out in the middle of no where, no fences, no manicured carpet lawns. A small bowl of oyster shells are keep out for the birds. Wife works at school café. and brings home lettuce and fruit rinds for the birds about twice a week. They travel the entire property, and beyond, (ugh !) foraging.

That opens the door into what I described. Your birds, even if fed scratch only, would be able to range further to consume a balanced diet that could include compensating for a scratch only mess you might put out for them. Then it will come down to how far they will range to get the needed natural eats. If they go to far, then provide a more of a balanced feed.

 

[Folly's place]

Also there's seasonal availability to find stuff, and wet vs. dry conditions, so the same items won't be available all the time. It's all fine, and interesting for them, but I sure wouldn't feed scratch only!
Mary

 

[centrarchid]

Also there's seasonal availability to find stuff, and wet vs. dry conditions, so the same items won't be available all the time. It's all fine, and interesting for them, but I sure wouldn't feed scratch only!
Mary

There are times when I can use scratch only without negatively impacting growth or egg production. It takes acreage to do it, not a typical backyard endeavor. I can even keep chickens without use of feed at all if number of birds is kept low relatively to area they have access to. The scratch grains then supply what typically becomes first limiting in terms of what the landscape provides; namely energy. The seasonal nature of things I agree to, so be smart and make adjustments as needed.