Don't like the new layer feed

[aart]

I no longer fill the feeders to the top.

I only put out as much as they will eat in a 24 hour period.
Can keep an eye on consumption levels that way as well as keep my stock 'fresher'.

 

[David61]

I'm set up for 3-5 days of food and water. I clean the 5gal water bucket every time but just inspect the 5gal feed bucket. I mix what feed is left in the bucket with the new but only if the feed is clean and dry. Only filling it 1/3 or so. about as much as they consume in that time. But as i'm new and they are 23 weeks old, i'm in the coop everyday looking and learning.
My goal is to be efficient enough to only have to check on them every five days if need be. But more like everyday check and third or fourth day clean and feed. I'm meeting that goal so far.
I try to free range one hour walk around the yard daily, weather permitting. We have raisins hand fed after our walk for a good look at each bird as well as getting them back in the coop. Two of the buff orpingtons don't fall for the raisin trick anymore. I have to pick them up and put them back in after a little dance. They don't run and hide but fuss a little dance, not a squat. Soon as i pick them up they want a raisin but not before.
I'm getting more personality out of them now at point of lay.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm getting more personality out of they now at point of lay.

You'll find they'll be much easier to handle once they begin laying, as their teenage hormones will taper off.