Are they Goldfish?

[BirdsInParadise]

Hey, y'all!
Long time, no post.
Hope everyone is eggcellent!
I've got a question...
Anyone else ever notice their birds consuming 3 to 4 times they're usual amount of food for winter?
Will they eat until they explode?
My girls seem insatiable this past couple of months and I'm a tad bit concerned.
Any and all replies, info, advice, warnings, etc would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Mosey2003]

The colder it is, the more energy is necessary to keep warm. Food = energy.

3 to 4 times is a bit excessive, what kind of feed are they eating?

 

[BirdsInParadise]

The colder it is, the more energy is necessary to keep warm. Food = energy.

3 to 4 times is a bit excessive, what kind of feed are they eating?

I was aware of the needed "extra" feedings, but they've gone Ape!
They eat crumbles.
Scratch.
Berries, melon, apples, etc.
Cukes, cabbage, etc.
Mealies.

 

[Callender Girl]

My chickens and ducks are in a constant state of hungry right now. I expect my feed bills to double in the winter. On the plus side, one of my Sapphire Gems has produced two double-yoked eggs this week; at least she's being productive with all those extra calories.

 

[Mosey2003]

I was aware of the needed "extra" feedings, but they've gone Ape!
They eat crumbles.
Scratch.
Berries, melon, apples, etc.
Cukes, cabbage, etc.
Mealies.

I would cut out everything but the crumbles and mealies, and perhaps a tablespoon of scratch per bird, and see what happens. If they're getting all those low protein extras they're liable to try to make it up by eating more.

 

[BirdsInParadise]

I would cut out everything but the crumbles and mealies, and perhaps a tablespoon of scratch per bird, and see what happens. If they're getting all those low protein extras they're liable to try to make it up by eating more.

Thanks for the above advice, Mosey!

 

[Mosey2003]

Thanks for the above advice, Mosey!

I feel like the protein police But it really makes a difference.

For example, I have 12 birds (including one male) and they would typically eat one full scoop of mash in the warmer months. They've been eating one and a half most days through the winter, I feel that's appropriate for them. I worked it out the last time I bought feed they're eating approximately 0.42lbs per bird per day, but they're truly large Large Fowl.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I expect that mine are the same right now because they're finishing up with winter and gearing up for laying again.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I don't know but my chickens will stuff themselves like bears getting ready to hibernate. Their crops will budge to the size of a softball and they still won't stop eating.