Emergency - oh crap I ran out of food - homemade feed

[Peppercorngal]

We learned one year when we faced immediate evacuation (but didn't go, it's a long story) and we were on our last bag of chicken feed, to never get down to one bag of any animal food! We now keep at least two bags of dog food, and two of chicken feed on hand at all times! Because of our location and constant fires, we get "stuck" at home and cannot get to town to buy feed. Now we are ready for a couple weeks at least without leaving. Likewise our freezer is stocked with people food as well!

 

[Peppercorngal]

We have a treadle feeder, that is what is being eaten from. We have also tried hanging bucket feeders and a bunch of other stuff. Part of it is our dog is extremely smart and will get to anything plus racoons, possums etc.

I keep the feeders (and water) in the "run" where the chickens are locked in for the night. That way at least racoons, etc. don't get to eat it! I don't know about your dog! He must be chubby?

 

[PhillyDelcoChix]

This happened to me last week. An order that normal takes 2 days ended up taking 10. My hens are 8 weeks old and their food need keeps increasing.
But in case this does happen to anyone else...
My hens really enjoyed cooked oatmeal. I mixed in some Greek yogurt.
The next day I cooked them quinoa and mixed in cooked sweet potato and that went really quickly.
I think the key is to, yes, not fall behind again. Having an extra bag will help.
But also, they eat lots of things, as long as it isn’t for long, some healthful foods will keep them full and happy until feed arrives again.