How long can a chicken go without food/water? (Bad, guilty owner)

Sarah Moss said:

Okay. In the summer they free roam, and I have always read that that gives them protein, but right now it's winter, so there r no bugs for them. Ok I will get that stuff, thank u. What do u feed your chickens? In the winter?

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I feed my chickens layer feed with Access to Grit and Oyster shells and treats occasionally.When you go to the feed store pick up some vitamins for them.Under chickens.What type of grain do you feed them?

Sorry ya, I will get the stuff u said Roosters Booster

Okay-mine get layer pellets-

Sarah Moss said:

Okay-mine get layer pellets-

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You just said you fed them grain and vegetables.

I thought that layer pellets was grain-but u said u feed your something and I thought maybe pellets and grain where 2 different things

Hopefully you've posted your sickness-related question on the health forum by now, I just thought I'd throw in my two cents worth on the nutrition questions: I've never encountered a chicken who didn't self regulate her feeding. Maybe meat chickens don't? (I've only ever known dual purpose and egg chickens.) In my experience, they eat for a while then wander off to hunt bugs and peck at grass, then come back for snacks throughout the day. More importantly, if you have more than 2-3 chickens it's especially important to make sure they always have access to feed throughout the day. Otherwise, those lowest in the pecking order might not get a chance to eat much of anything! (Often they have to wait until the queen bees have wandered off, before they can safely access the feed.) Layer pellets are NOT the same thing as grain, even though they do contain a mix of grains as well as other ingredients. (It's like with dry dog or cat food---those aren't the same as straight meat, but meat's an important ingredient in them.) Straight grains, like winter wheat or oat groats, are generally referred to as "scratch" because people toss them out on the ground for chickens to have fun scratching and finding---and chickens usually LOVE them, but they're more of a "side dish/dessert" than a "main course".

I just noticed I made a BIG mistake. I am feeding 3 to 4 month old pullets egg laying feed pellets. bought them on sunday and today is tuesday night, they have not eaten much these days neither. probably the last decent meal they had was on saturday. only tomorrow afternoon I can feed them properly again, have to buy the feed after work.

they are free ranging, they can eat herbs, maybe a worm from now and then, should I be worried? they have plenty of fresh water.

Have you fed them layer feed since chicks?If not i wouldn't be too worried.There almost to laying age.You say they aren't eating food?Have you watched them eat any of it?

cmaranhao said:

I just noticed I made a BIG mistake. I am feeding 3 to 4 month old pullets egg laying feed pellets. bought them on sunday and today is tuesday night, they have not eaten much these days neither. probably the last decent meal they had was on saturday. only tomorrow afternoon I can feed them properly again, have to buy the feed after work.

they are free ranging, they can eat herbs, maybe a worm from now and then, should I be worried? they have plenty of fresh water.

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They will be fine. Just put them back on the grower starter for a few more months.