Murray McMurray hatchery used to have some pasture seed that was specially formulated for free range chickens, I don't know if they still have it or not.

There's a nursery in Oregon called Silver Falls Nursery or Silver Falls Seeds, something like that. They sell bags of wildlife seed mix (rye, barley, edible wildflowers, etc.) that's supposed to make your property attractive to game birds and deer. Not too expensive, either.

Wife and I talked about getting chickens in the future when we get a place. Here in Kuwait most chicken owners let them free range, especially near an ant mound.

Here---shilala.homestead.com/supplements.html
Scroll down to the "Easy Forage Planting Mix" ------

The Ultimate Natural Forage Mixture for your birds. We have formulated this mixture to provide our growing birds with the greens and protein they need during development, as well as a high protein, completely natural staple when they reach maturity. In it's different stages, it provides a varying level of protein that suits your spring hatched bird's needs. In it's beginning "Freshly Grazed" state, it offers a protein level of 27 to 34%. In it's "Lush Growth" stage, it provides a protein level of 20 to 27%. In it's "Flowering and Seeding" stage, it provides a protein level of 8 to 13%. If you believe in a "natural" approach when it comes to providing nutrition for your flock, this mixture is an excellent addition to your program.
Grow some this spring, your birds will love you for it!!!
Formulation:
Early Corn 23.25%
Buckwheat 9.9%
Black Oil Sunflower 7.35%
Early Grain Sorghum 5.9%
Japanese Millet 2.95%
Climax Timothy 7.45%
Creeping Red Fescue 7.35%
Mammoth Red Clover 6.45%
Alsike Clover 5.95%
Hardy Brand Alfalfa 5.95%
Aubisque Tetraploid Perennial Rye 4.9%
Potomac Orchardgrass 3.8%
Medium Red Clover 2.95%
Birdsfoot Trefoil 2.45%
Ladino Clover 1.95%
Planting:
This seed mixture is formulated to produce nation-wide. Planting time in Zone 5 is May 1 to June 1. Planting times in other zones vary, you'll need to make an adjustment for your specific zone. Germination is 10-21 days. Establishment comes in 5-10 weeks. Seed over tilled, smoothed soil for best results, but will also work in a broadcasting situation. Seeding rate is 1 ounce to 100 square feet. As with all crops, soil should be tested and adjusted for nutrient levels and ph.


This is a pretty good place to start; you also might want to look at www.lionsgrip.com/recipes.html ...and if that's not sufficiently helpful, I'll go start dragging books off the shelf. :-)

My next question is once the growing season is over-how do you keep food for them during the winter? I live almost at the 2,900 ft so our winters are long and cold with occasional snow. I could see the use of those preivously mentioned weeds once they to seed. How about their long term storage?
Scratch too...? Somethings to think about indeed.

I've got a chicken on my hat
I've got a chicken on my shirt
chicken wing's on my chest
when the pin stuck it hurt

I've hauled them chicken's to hunt's point and L.A.
If you see me on the big road
get out of my way

I've gotta go fast cause I cant go slow
I'm just doing my job
I'm on the poultry patrol

well I like chicken soup
but I dont like chicken coop's
and I can speak chickeneese
and I can dance rooster too
and I eat chicken sometimes twice a day
2 eggs for breakfast and then the buffet
I've gotta go fast because I cant go slow
I'm just doing my job
I'm on the poultry patrol.

whoop whoop