Amounts??

[AwsumnessofChickens]

Hi, everybody!

Well, I was just wondering how much to give my chickens? For example, some times I wake up to see a ton of feed on the ground, and when I lessen the amount of feed, my babes sometimes just stare at me, like saying, Well, where is it??

How much water, too?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

My chickens have access to feed and water, 24/7.

 

[AwsumnessofChickens]

Okay, thanks bsaffle!

 

[dave_Cash69]

Quote:
ditto

 

[Poohbear]

Chickens feed must be dry and clean. Rotted, dusty or mouldy feed (from laying on the ground wet) will cause Botulism and many gastric and respitory problems. Try to cut back on feed until they are hungry enough to eat all you put out. If you go out to feed and there is feed on the ground or in the pen, don't feed until the next feeding. I figure one potted meat cup per chicken twice a day. Some chickens eat more than others (just like people) so feel your chickens breast and butt often to gauge their health. Fat will build up in the butt. If it feels puffy and soft then they are fat. Be sure and keep a good breast on your chickens too. jmo and not gospel.

 

[Kim_NC]

Same here....free choice 20% pellets and fresh water always available.

 

[msgenie516]

Quote:
Hi,

I have been looking for 20% pellets and can't seem to find them anywhere, the highest protein I can find is 16%. I have been thinking of mixing their food with gamebird food (higher protein) but I don't know what effect that would have on their laying ability. What brand do you use and where do you find them? Thanks! Genie

 

[CARS]

I feed my girls what they can eat in 12 hours. Why??? Not sure other than I like going out to the barn and seeing them.

If I kept enough feed available 24/7 I would only do chores every couple days. May as well have a automated confinement operation... Hmmm

Edit to say that I go out to feed twice a day

(ya know, to see the girls...)

 

[AngelzFyre]

Quote:
Hi,

I have been looking for 20% pellets and can't seem to find them anywhere, the highest protein I can find is 16%. I have been thinking of mixing their food with gamebird food (higher protein) but I don't know what effect that would have on their laying ability. What brand do you use and where do you find them? Thanks! Genie

Game Bird Chow or Flock Raiser will do fine with your hens, just make sure they have oyster shell or aragonite for calcium available at all times. I feed mine Purina Flock Raiser, their eggs are the best they've been since I've had them and the shells are nice and uniform and hard to crack.

The Game Bird rations I believe come in a breeder and grower type and I tried the breeder but mine all preferred the Flock Raiser.
I have always kept food and water available 24/7 since day 1. I regularly clean out any wasted crumbles so haven't had any problems with that.
HTH!

 

[briteday]

Currently I'm using a 20% layer pellet from Farmers Warehouse (A.L. Gilbert Co. in CA) but it is extremely high in soy protein which I'm not sold on. I have neighbors that mix turkey feed with their layer pellet to increase the protein but I haven't looked into that yet.