How much feed do I give the chickens?

[Cake-decorator]

Hello, I have 23 chickens and 2 roosters.

Should we measure the amount of feed and chicken scratch?

In the evening, while there is still light. I give them produce.

Thank you

 

[Cake-decorator]

I forgot to mention that they are 5 months now and have been beginning to lay eggs since the 16th. Thanks again

 

[keljonma]

We leave feed and water available to our flock 24/7 in the hen house. We also provide oyster shell and grit, separately from feed and each other, 24/7.

We use hanging feeders, just fill them as needed.

We don't put scratch in with the feed, as they have a tendency to bill out the feed looking for the scratch.

 

[JennsPeeps]

We let ours eat as much as they want during the day. We don't currently have a feeder in the coop but may when the nights get longer.

 

[hinkjc]

We keep food and water out at all times as well. Feeder is always full. Scratch grains are very limited, especially in hot weather. I like to give treats late afternoon to ensure they eat the nutritious foods first and snacks later.

Jody

 

[d.k]

*

I tried leaving food out, but Chook turns into a fiend, stuffing herself to the point she can't stand up straight. She also starts tossing and wasting too much. So, I started regulating meals and portions and that worked a lot better. She eats, doesn't stuff, and doesn't toss nearly as much, knowing, I assume, that that is all there is until the next feeding time.

 

[redhen]

my husband swears we are going through about 7 pounds of feed a day...

... for 22 chickens (about 20 weeks old) and 2 ducks (same age). Does this sound right to you guys?..thanks, Wendy

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
thats no fun I bet you make your kids eat thier veggies too

To answer the question, mine have food available at all times

 

[Lobzi]

me too...all times...all they want of the dry food (scratch, lentiles, wheat berries, rice). I only know of Chickie to over eat on what I consider treats and that is when she was cooped all day in the pen. I made the mistake of leaving too much corn for her and Roo. I believe she over ate the corn and it clogged her crop. She is fine now but I no longer leave a lot of "wet" food for them when I pen them up.

 

[bwebb7]

Wendy,
I have been afraid to really figure that out- but I also have 22 birds total including the roo. I think your husband may be right! I am in denial myself but I'm thinkin he's pretty close when he says 7lbs a day:0(
At least 5lbs anyway. I'm going to have to face up and check it out!