Chickens act like they are starving?

[lesha15]

I have 18 hens of different breeds that semi free range. They stay in a large electric fenced area that I used to keep sheep in. I feed them commercial layer pellets daily but they act like they are starving. When they see me pull in the driveway or they see me outside they literally line up at the gate and act like they are waiting for me to feed them. When I do feed them they act like they can't get enough and I feed them 3 to 4 big scoops (a large scoop that is a horse feed scoop). I'm not sure if I should feed them more???

 

[DobieLover]

I have 18 hens of different breeds that semi free range. They stay in a large electric fenced area that I used to keep sheep in. I feed them commercial layer pellets daily but they act like they are starving. When they see me pull in the driveway or they see me outside they literally line up at the gate and act like they are waiting for me to feed them. When I do feed them they act like they can't get enough and I feed them 3 to 4 big scoops (a large scoop that is a horse feed scoop). I'm not sure if I should feed them more???

They should have unlimited access to feed and fresh clean water during their waking hours.
What brand of layer feed are you feeding them?

 

[danceswithronin]

They should be getting four and a half pounds of feed a day if you have 18 hens. I would give them all-day access though if you aren't already.

 

[Sarjeanp]

My mom's hens always acted starving! She kept their food and water bowls filled at all times, but any time we went into the coop area, they all came up, hoping for a treat. If we were to throw a scoop of meal worms out, they would act like they haven't eaten in a week. I think hens are part pig.

 

[Mimi13]

I agree with @DobieLover. They should always have dry feed available. In addition, I mix up a bucketful of mash each morning for mine. They will generate eat it up first and then finish the day eating their Flock Raiser crumbles along with whatever they find foraging.

 

[danceswithronin]

My mom's hens always acted starving! She kept their food and water bowls filled at all times, but any time we went into the coop area, they all came up, hoping for a treat. If we were to throw a scoop of meal worms out, they would act like they haven't eaten in a week. I think hens are part pig.

My hens are like this too, they always have fresh feed and water and big piles of cut herbs and grasses in their run, but when I come in they still act all wild and excited like I'm going to bring them something else to eat, lol.

It doesn't seem like it takes long for a chicken to go hungry OR thirsty though in general, because I accidentally put my hens up the other night and forgot to put the waterer in the coop with them, and when I let them out in the morning they acted like they were thirsting to death even though they'd just had water access the night before up to like 9PM.

 

[lesha15]

Thank you for responding. Dumor 16% layer feed.

 

[Mimi13]

After you have given your birds any kind of “treat,” be it a mealworm or potato chip, they will always act hungry, simply because they want that special food you have. That behavior will never stop.

 

[Chickassan]

Fat chicken truth right here.

After you have given your birds any kind of “treat,” be it a mealworm or potato chip, they will always act hungry, simply because they want that special food you have. That behavior will never stop.

 

[Mimi13]

Fat chicken truth right here.

You are so right.