Winter feeding

[Prince of Durham]

I was just seeking advice on winter feeding for chickens. As with every year there is a slow down in egg production, some of them giving up completely for the winter. I was wondering, what with the price of layers going up, if they could be or should be fed something less costly and that isn't of benefit to them for egg production? I've thought about just wheat, however will wheat give them the right amount of vitamins?

[RichmondHens]

It really depends what your set up is. If they free range over a large area then cutting back layers a bit and increasing the wheat is fine, but don't cut out the layers altogether. You could get away with 60% layers 40% wheat if they get to free range round a very large garden or paddock for example. But if they are in a small coop or fixed run then they still need the vitamins etc that layers provides, even if they're not laying as they are not free to forage. If they are moulting they also need the protein obtained from pellets. If you do decide to feed more wheat do it in the afternoons after they have had their pellet in the mornings. And make sure they have plenty of insoluble grit available to help them digest the wheat.