When mixed as a mash it should have enough water added so that when pressed in the hand and then released it should crumble away. Pellets and dry meal can be fed via ad lib hoppers, but wet mash must always be freshly mixed as it quickly goes rancid. Water and flint grit should be available at all times from hatching onward. Flint grit is needed to assist the gizzard in grinding up the food, especially hard grain. From four weeks before laying commences, oyster shell or limkestone grit should be provided to help the formation of egg shells.
Light breeds starrt to lay at about five months and the heavier breeds at about six months.
In the winter, a little cod liver oil can be added to the ration. Wheat and maize can be offered as a scratch feed to keep the birds active. If they are not free range, green feed is always welcomed by the birds, but hang up vegetatables and nettles to get the most benefit from them.