12 hr feeding vs. 24 hr measured feed?

[Jejahess]

Who here feeds 12 on / 12 off vs. measured feed? In the past I'd do the 12 on /12 off method but with my current batch of CX's I started weighing the amount of feed for the quantity of birds based on their age and letting the feeders in for 24 hours. This batch of birds is keeping better pace with typical commercial feed/growth charts. The birds still seem healthy. They can't really 'overeat' since they'll just empty the feeders and won't get more until the next day anyway.

Just curious what other smaller raisers are doing.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I don't have meat birds so they don't overeat. I have food available 24/7 but they sleep at night so they don't eat until the sun comes up.

 

[blueberry1]

I’ve been feeding fermented feed twice a day. They eat for about 45-60 minutes each session. I’ve had good luck with this method as have others on this forum.

Are these Cornish? Most Cornish seem to finish what’s in front of them so it’s interesting to hear that your results are favorable. I don’t keep close enough track of my feed per bird ratio so I’m not much help there. Good luck and please keep us informed!

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

I’ve always done measured feed after they’re done growing, they are free fed until that point. This is not for meat breeds, they are always measured. I know people who free feed with no problems, but if yours are Cornish then measured is probably best.

 

[Molpet]

I’ve been feeding fermented feed twice a day. They eat for about 45-60 minutes each session. I’ve had good luck with this method as have others on this forum.

Are these Cornish? Most Cornish seem to finish what’s in front of them so it’s interesting to hear that your results are favorable. I don’t keep close enough track of my feed per bird ratio so I’m not much help there. Good luck and please keep us informed!

I’ve always done measured feed after they’re done growing, they are free fed until that point. This is not for meat breeds, they are always measured. I know people who free feed with no problems, but if yours are Cornish then measured is probably best.

Cornish is a heritage breed. I have a dark Cornish.
CX is what the op says he has. Which are a special mix of white Cornish and white rock, way back. You just can't mix the two types and get a decent broiler.

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

Cornish is a heritage breed. I have a dark Cornish.
CX is what the op says he has. Which are a special mix of white Cornish and white rock, way back. You just can't mix the two types and get a decent broiler.

I meant CornishX, I didn’t realize Cornish was a separate thing.

 

[Molpet]

I meant CornishX, I didn’t realize Cornish was a separate thing.

They are hard to find https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/cornish

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

They are hard to find https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/cornish

That’s really interesting and good to know!

 

[NCLady52]

Who here feeds 12 on / 12 off vs. measured feed? In the past I'd do the 12 on /12 off method but with my current batch of CX's I started weighing the amount of feed for the quantity of birds based on their age and letting the feeders in for 24 hours. This batch of birds is keeping better pace with typical commercial feed/growth charts. The birds still seem healthy. They can't really 'overeat' since they'll just empty the feeders and won't get more until the next day anyway.

Just curious what other smaller raisers are doing.

I have a treadle feeder that is out in the coop and they eat when they want to. It seems early morning is when they will feed from the feeder and then free range all day in the yard.

 

[Tre3hugger]

My first run I was feeding free until 3 weeks old then as much as they can twice a day for 30 minutes. They finished at about 6 lbs dressed at 7 weeks old. This time I hace been following the welp chart, and feeding the suggested amount half in the morning and half in the evening. At 6 weeks the birds are already larger than the first ones were at slaughter. I recommend following this chart, figuring out your daily feed needs, and feeing half of that twice a day. I got a feed measuring cup which makes it super easy.