Put on that extra layer for winter? Help!

[crazygoatlady915]

Hello all!
So with the skyrocketing feed price in my area, I have been trying to give less and less feed, and more and more ranging, and kitchen scraps to my hens this summer, but considering we just had our first freeze last night, I know winter's a-comin, and my hens look a bit too thin for the winters we have to endure here. Is there any way I can put some weight on my ladies before, say, November, without using too much feed in the process? I heard oatmeal was a great way to accomplish that?
Thanks for any help!

 

[chicmom]

I really feel that, along with free ranging, you've gotta feed your laying hens a good layer feed. Now, a way to cut costs is to buy from the local feed mill. The feed can cost a good $5.00 less per bag.