What is the healthiest diet for my chickens? And Most practical

[TammyF]

I have 19 week old chickens. Currently I feed them scratch and laying pellets. I have read that scratch is not that good for them. They are free range except for at night. Is there something better I can feed them. I worry about their nutrition. This is my first flock.

 

[yassinkara]

Scratch is ok for them but it's best given as a treat so this should make up about 10% of their diet. Growers or rearers are good but from experience they do get board of it. You could mix up some fruit and veg also avoid giving them avacardo.

 

[Folly's place]

Flock Raiser or similar grower feed, and free choice oyster shell. After all the pullets are laying, change gradually to Layer feed, still with oyster shell free choice. Scratch, scraps, and veggies are treats, just part of their diet. Free range is great, but balanced feed available always. Mary

 

[centrarchid]

If birds truly free-range, then scratch may not be a problem, Birds I have free-range in yard get only scratch from me yet they are in top condition. Bulk of their nutrition comes from forage, the scratch makes so they are anchored tighter to house because they do not have to range as far to meet their energy needs.