Do my chickens eat a lot, or am I feeding rats?

[Mosey2003]

Average feed per hen should be roundabout 1/4 pound per day. I would weigh out that amount (2.25 pounds) and give it to them and check back throughout the day to see if they've polished it off early or not. Personally, I don't leave feed out 24/7, I feed in the morning and will top it up a bit after work if they've cleaned it all up. I know that on a typical day, my layer coop will eat a little under a scoop and a half of my feed, so that's what they get. If they start leaving some at the end of the day, I back off. Fewer rodent issues if there isn't feed sitting out overnight.

 

[flyin-lowe]

The five gallon bucket feeder with the pvc elbows is cheap and easy and work great. There are several threads in them.

 

[Ra_]

At the end of the day, I take all the leftover crumble and make them a mash, which they eagerly gobble down.
But if rain should happen to get on their food, they avoid it like it's poison.
Birds are crazy.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Get a rat proof feeder and your feed use will go down to around 4 ounces a day. One pound per four hens, roosters will eat a bit less.