Thanks for the Ping! I did talk to my ‘Norwegian Bachelor Farmer’ guys at the feed mill. They said not to worry, and to use their house brand because it’s all locally grown. Ya can’t swing a dead cat three-quarters of the year without hitting a corn stalk in these parts!
They’re very accommodating because small-time people like me are their Bread & Butter. After the “Mad Cow” scare of yore, they started making up blood-free meals, too. I started using them back then.
Right now, the hens are just getting local cracked corn and free ranging around the yard. They’ve also discovered that if they hang out beneath the bird feeding station, they get a treat once in a while, too.
However, if any are caught scratching in the newly-planted garden, they will become Chicken Soup!! ;)
Set out a light for them. They will feast on high protein bugs, keeping them from your garden...