EXACTLY how much to feed chicken flock?

[Toast n Jelly]

Even if they are free ranging they still need free fed layer feed. They will pick as much as they need. Boss and scratch are a treat and they shouldn't get more than a handful as a treat so that they eat mainly the layer feed and whatever they get free ranging if you want them in good health and laying consistantly which I imagine that you do.
The dog should not be able to get to their food which should be fed in the coop or enclosed run so as not to feed dogs, rodents and whatever else that would be attracted to it.
So as far as I can see neither you or your wife wins!

 

[chicmom]

Well, I always keep my feeders filled. That way, they never get hungry. I have a flock of 17 large fowl, and 9 bantams, and I use a 50 lb bag of layer feed in about 12 days.

 

[FarmerJohn3285]

PB&J

The dogs (in a fenced area behind the house) are only around them when we are cuz they like to run around the front and visit their little feathered buddies. It's so funny cuz they get along so great. My RSL and Dom roo chase the dogs just as much as they "chase" them....walk around the pen, not to be confused with tryin to catch and eat them. The dogs sit and watch them eat and scratch around, then the dogs and chickens together will go roam the yard.

 

[black star homesteader]

I have 8; 20 1/2 week old birds; 5 black stars and 3 EE. One gave me the love-squat yesterday so I'm hoping for eggs soon from the black stars; I realize the EEs are heritage birds and may not lay well till spring - especially since they're lower in the pecking order. Since the loving bird yesterday let me pick her up; I had a good feel of her and she felt REALLY skinny; prominant keel. I got these birds from someone raising a large flock of youngsters for sale -- in a large outdooor enclosure with two small houses. He had several feeders out there with the Nature's whatever organic brand; the kind that looks like ground pet food. I feel like he had enough food out for them; but maybe the sheer number in the large yard may have kept them thin. Here; they ate 20 lbs the first week - what the grower estimated they would - but they've eaten progressively less of the 18% organic layer 'powder' -- not pelleted. It is always full. I have been giving them 1-2 cups of BOSS and other treats; like bread (a favorite), whey, squash, pumpkin, organic scratch, sweet potato, some scrambled eggs, veggie scraps, hot mash or oats on cold mornings etc. They have about 200 sq ft to run around in. I wonder if I"m treating the up too much, perhaps I should add some cat food or other source of protein. Or maybe birds this young haven't filled out yet? They are very active and seem healthy.

I recently started bringing the food and water out into the yard during the day - since they spend most of their time there and I think that's how they were used to eating. Let me know if there is a better way to feed them or put weight on them so we get eggs as soon as possible. I have them under 60 watts; 15 hr aI day; mostly increasing the night tie light; 5:30-8 a, and 3:30-10ish pm. "m berating myself beause I could have bought 27 week old birds for a lot more money - but that guy first told me he was sold out - so I went with the 17 week old birds. More info: they've got a 32 sq ft. 'open' coop (large window at least windy side) - and it's been mild (lows below freezing yes - but generally in or above 40 during the day - except for the week we got them; lows below 10 and not above 30 on some days. Took them a week to really come out of their coop and appreciate their yard. They can and do still fly up on top of the coop: 4 ft high. It's completely enclosed (lion and bear 'proof'). Any advice would be helpful for this newbie.

 

[abhaya]

I free feed mine. I have 6 hens and a roo. For a scoop I use a 13 oz coffee can they about 1 to 2 of those a day. My girls free range. I fill the feeder in the am and check it during the day if it is close to empty I ust put in more.

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

I have a pvc feeder with four stations hanging in the tractor for free feeding of layer pellets for my 8 girls. Depending on the weather, I only have to fill it every two days unless it has gotten cold and then every day. In addition, I throw some boss in the tractor in the morning so the girls turn over their shavings. If it is really cold, I offer scratch in the afternoon so they can heat up for bedtime. I freerange in the pm for an hour(or two if its not freezing out!). It is winter so pickings are slim (no snow on the ground yet) so I have also been giving them veges and fruit and leftovers. I also give them some sort of protein like meat or eggs or yogurt a couple times a week. They are happy, healthy and giving me 5-7 eggs a day.

 

[nuttyredhead]

Quote:

Im with you! I figure they will eat if they need too.