They are finally figuring out how to use the roost and I only had to bribe them a tiny bit.

Mr. Roo Man won his class, Best of Breed, Reserve English,

The experiment of fodder started when we realized how much the store feed was costing us  and how much the birds enjoy fresh greens. Though we would love to fully free range our flocks, we can't due to the high numbers of predators in our area. There are ravens, coyotes, many types of hawks, cougars, bobcats and dogs. As such, we do not feel it is in the best interest of the chickens  to be free ranged.   They can only be safely free ranged when we are available to watch them.  We have covered, movable pens that allow access to fresh grass at other times.  Feeding whole grains, kitchen and garden scraps is working well.  About six months ago we started raising meal worms for  additional protein; they LOVE them!   We have continued  growing and feeding  fodder. With the changes in diet, the birds seem happier and healthier . The birds still enjoy store bought feed to make sure that they  receive everything  needed but we have found they only eat about a quarter of what they used to. Hopefully with some more experimentation, trial and error we can take them off of the store bought feed completely.  Favorite summer treats are bugs of all kinds but the abundant grasshoppers seem to be a favorite! 

Getting the birds ready for the Fall Feather Fest 2013. A picture of Mr. Roo Man enjoying his bath... right?

Today the chicks had a little free range time and boy did they enjoy it. Fresh grass and my tomato plants made for an excellent snack.