Amount to feed

[jackhorn01]

I just got home with my first six chickens. They are Rhode Island Reds. 17 weeks old. I have a 13 lb capacity hanging feeder for them. Am I supposed to always keep it full? Or give them a certain amount each day or what?

 

[yinzerchick]

I just asked a similar question about how much food I'm going through. Well, similar but different. I would just fill it 1/2 way and see how long it takes them to empty it. If it goes real fast, then go ahead and fill it all the way. I don't like to have feed sitting in the feeders a long time, it gets bugs in it.
Have fun with your new chickens! You'll have more in no time! lol! Chicken math, I'm up to 56, and more are on my radar.

 

[jackhorn01]

Oh i know lol i am looking for some golden sex links

 

[chfite]

I monitor the feed, but generally make sure that they always have food. Chickens won't overeat, but I reckon that erratic food supply may affect the production of eggs.

Chris

 

[Fred's Hens]

Feed well in the am. Check the feeder later in the afternoon. I prefer they virtually clean out the feeder at roosting time. It is more art than science. I prefer not to have feeders full of feed over night, as it just invites the rodents. The chickens are asleep. I'm an early riser and am up with the chickens. They get fed early, around 6 am.

 

[mickey328]

We don't keep food in the coop either. We just want them in there to sleep and lay and they don't go in til dark and are out as soon as the sun's up. They have all the food and water they want during the day, but night is for sleeping around here, LOL

 

[jackhorn01]

Same here, I'm up at the crack of dawn feeding my animals. I am in the process of experimenting with different amounts to pinpoint how much they go through. I like your method of trying to have them just what they need and an empty feeder at night.