A topic of discussion I see frequently on online discussion boards is how much organic feed to provide foraging poultry.   All feeds such as starter, layer, etc. are considered complete feeds, meaning it contains all the nutrients the chicken needs. This introduces the question, why let chickens free-range and how does this impact their growth or egg production?

I contacted Jo Robinson, an industry expert on livestock nutrition and author of many books including “Pasture Perfect” and “Why Grassfed is Best”.  She shared with me some terrific tips on why grass-feeding is important and how to balance that with feed rations for your backyard poultry.

My first question was simply, is egg production affected by extent of pasturing?  The answer was it depends if one wants quality or quantity.   Grassfed chickens have access to nutrients and vitamins that are not available in the same quantity in any feeds, including organic.  For example, these eggs are substantially higher in Omega 3 fatty-acids and vitamin D.  Strictly feed fed chickens produce a greater number of eggs but with Omega 6, a less desirable fatty-acid, and are much lower in vitamin D.  You can learn more about grass-fed findings and its statistics on the website www.eatwild.com.

Chicken feed is still an important part of a poultry’s diet when they are raised for consumption purposes.  With organic feed I like to think about what’s not in it vs. the additives and chemicals that are in traditional feeds.  For example you don’t have to worry about medications, preservatives, pesticides, and GMO grains.  On the other hand, organic feed provides substantial protein and other supplements that complement the grass feeding.

If you aren’t already pasturing your poultry, here are Jo’s tips on how to do it best.  Choose a location that is nice and green and free of debris.  Make sure the area has not be chemically treated or exposed to toxic run-off.  This means muddy farm lots do not apply.  Keep the grass around 3″-5″ tall.  Freshly mowed grass makes it even easier for chickens to feast.

Older breeds of chickens take to grass feeding more naturally than some of the newer, production oriented breeds.   If your chickens appear hesitant, let them forage for the first part of the day and then feed free-choice in the latter.   Chicken tractors (coops on wheels) are terrific for letting poultry forage and stay protected at the same time. For larger flocks, an electric poultry fence (these are portable) along with a movable coop, offers pasturing and predator  protection simultaneously.  Chickens are good about running into the coop when danger lurks.

You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t provided any numbers for quantities of feed.  That because the variables are too great to create an “equation” for the best answer.  The most important items to consider are availability of green grass, temperature and season (extreme heat and cold naturally decreases the rate-of-lay - ROL), and how you would like to see your chickens perform.  A acceptable ROL and deep orange egg yolks are a good indicator you’ve found the right balance.