Feed per chicken?

[Weasleymum]

Every time I try to find out how much my chickens should be getting, I find answers in the "per month", "per 100 birds" type range. I have three chickens so those type of answers don't really help me. I really want to know how much food they should be getting every day: how many ounces each, or cups, etc.

I'm worried about over-feeding them and making them too fat and unhealthy.

Also, I just bought them some scratch (a corn, tri, and oat mix) now that it's getting cold... I know they're supposed to get that late afternoons or evenings, but again, how much? And if I put their regular feed in a feeder, can I just throw the scratch on the ground? (The name seems to imply that that's where it goes!)

So, please help! 3 birds = ??? food

 

[greyfields]

3 birds = 1 lb food per day

 

[Weasleymum]

Wow, if that's the magic number I think I've been underfeeding! But they leave some over every day. Hmm. I guess I need to measure to be sure but generally a pound would be about two cups, right?

So does that mean I should feed 1/2 lb of regular feed in the morning, and 1/2 lb scratch at night, or is the scratch more of a special treat where the ratio should be lower?

 

[greyfields]

I dunno. I work in 50# increments. But 1/3 pound per hen per day is the average. But, you know, you may have 3 above or below average birds. If they are leaving some food, then they are probably not under-nourished.

 

[Weasleymum]

Thank you! That was exactly the kind of answer I was looking for.

 

[basicliving]

I feed mine free choice. I fill their feed container whenever it gets low. Some days they seem to eat more than others - and now that they free range all day, I don't fill it near as often.

As for the scratch, throw it on the ground or in the coop. It will keep them busy - and if you use the deep litter method, a little in the coop will keep it turned up for you.

Penny

 

[Heather J]

OK. That's it! Those boys have got to go in the freezer, they're eating $30 of feed a month, and I can't turn the light on for the girls (who have completely stopped laying) until they're gone. I was wondering how it worked out because I don't pay attention and I can't keep the feeder full all the time (the geese and ducks sneak in and eat from their feeder when they're out to free range and there's goes the rest of the food.)

Good question, and thanks for the answer Greyfields.

 

[mtnhomechick]

I read ( can't remember where ) that a chicken will eat approximately 85lb. of feed per year.

Now if that's true..........I over feed.

Hope this helps.

 

[auracana07]

I always just fill my hen's food up when it's too low. They won't eat it if they aren't hungry so you can just fill your food up and let em' enjoy!

 

[greathorse]

If have only a few chickens you should be able to watch the condition on them and make decisions from there. Most folks feed free choice especially on layers as they need the energy to lay eggs. If they get to fat cut back. If you are looking for someone to give you the exact and correct amount to feed your chickens you are asking a question that cant be answered without seeing the your birds.

there is no substitute for watching the conditon of the birds and making decisions based on what you see and what you desire.

I have a horse that stays fat on one slice of hay and one that I struggle to keep in the flesh I like on all the hay he can eat plus some grain. Chickens are individuals as well. In large flocks it is not practicle to treat them as such but with three dont stress feed em as you like em

So you see the answer lies with you others can only give you guidelins