Questions about the chicken run

[IronFeather]

What is there actual age? You mention a year of eating your yard lol, are they a year? Like Parront said, lots can contribute to egg laying numbers! Have any of those other factors changed at the same time as their option to free range?

If they have always free-ranged since POL and you stopped that abruptly one day, it certainly can affect laying. But yup sod can be pricey. That's why I couldn't believe my friend's friend does that regularly! But for me it is free lol. Though she does not buy a roll, just a length of 6-8'. Heck maybe she trades eggs lol.

I have never sprouted grain...maybe I should try! Is that easy? Would be a great addition to winter feeding here in Michigan! Looks like a new thread to start!

I bought an inexpensive, very large rice strainer from an Asian food store. Fill a large coffee can about 1/3 full of wheat, soak over night and then spread in strainer. Watch it sprout and grow. Soon it will be about 2-3 inches tall. I pull it out and feed it to my chickens.

 

[mctom]

My chickens have also turned their yard into dirt, no greenery left. I just supplement their diet with fresh veggies and fruit. They love it and organic greens (like parsley or carrots with the tops or cabbage) are pretty cheap here. My understanding is do NOT feed them asparagus, spinach, potato peels, rhubarb, onions, garlic, citrus or avocados -- everything else fresh is ok.

 

[Larry Rose]

The age of your hens can contribute to lower egg production. The hot weather this time of year. Decreasing daylight and onset of molting. Lots of things contribute to eggs. Fresh greens have lots of liquid and vitamins. Some folks sprout grain for their birds, might be cheaper than sod!

Perhaps you could ask a local Market if and when they have "Greens" that they throw away if you could have them for your Chickens? Or from a garden, either yours or a friends? Buy cheap greens at the market occasionally. Start a compost pile.