[Dopey113]

Hi all, although I have kept chickens before, I wasn't feeding them as I should have been, so once again I am buying 5 chickens, but I want to get the feed right this time, last time I was just feeding them corn and grain (and oyster shell separately) well they soon got fat, and although they were laying they were laying less than they should have, so I will be getting 5 POL females, what would you all recommend I feed them? and are some brand better than others? I think mass is for chicks, and I know there are some with oyster shell in the feed already (layers?) thanks

[grinling]

oyster shell separate, grit separate and layers pellets as less messy than mash

[Dopey113]

Ok thanks

[Sassy]

Agree Grinling. Can give a handful of mixed corn before bedtime and greens as well.

[joyfull]

remember grains are a treat, layers should be their main part of their feed. Mine have a huge free range area so they also supplement their feed with fresh grass and weeds helping to give their yolks a lovely orangey colour. Mine have a bowl of crushed oyster shell and get their grit from scratching around on the ground.

[Dopey113]

Yea I know, but I bought a bag of grain before I knew any better, they have the run of a very large grass back garden, I know about the oyster shell, but wasn't sure if it was already in the layers feed, so thats cleared it up for me

[Casey76]

If you put grit and oystershell in separate free draining containers (like a terracotta plant pot), then you don't need to cover them, and they can be left somewhere in the feeding area.  The hens will help themselves as needed

[JaK]

My hens have layers pellets and some bits and bobs I bring home from the allotment.

 I'm fussy so always make sure the layers pellets are GM free(I can't afford organic sadly).