Feed questions: how much, how often, favorite feeder?

[Soon2BChixMom]

I finally got my chix.
3 ISA Brown ladies who are almost a year and the 1 Ameraucana is 2. I’m not sure she is an Ameraucana - just what I was told.
I was given layer feed. I am unsure how much they get. How do you determine how much to feed them and how often? If you leave feed out all day - how do you keep rodents out? How does it stay dry in the run? I have a pre-fab coop and am regretting it, but already thinking of alternatives.
What’s your favorite feeder system?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/here-are-my-4-new-to-me-girls.1205387/#post-19119885

Here’s the post where I introduced them.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have always used free feeding and have used a variety of feeder types, currently using this

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@Ol Grey Mare, Just looked at your coop. Your chickens are super lucky!

 

[rjohns39]

I finally got my chix.
3 ISA Brown ladies who are almost a year and the 1 Ameraucana is 2. I’m not sure she is an Ameraucana - just what I was told.
I was given layer feed. I am unsure how much they get. How do you determine how much to feed them and how often? If you leave feed out all day - how do you keep rodents out? How does it stay dry in the run? I have a pre-fab coop and am regretting it, but already thinking of alternatives.
What’s your favorite feeder system?

I like @Ol Grey Mare feeder, though its not practical for me—but it would work well for you. The standard that folks raising layers on pasture use is 4.5 oz per day per bird, which is based on minimum feed for maximum egg production. But with a feeder like the one pictured you could just fill and let them at it.

 

[Mary's Backyard Chickens]

It looks exactly like my Ameraucauna.

 

[rosemarythyme]

How do you determine how much to feed them and how often? If you leave feed out all day - how do you keep rodents out? How does it stay dry in the run? I have a pre-fab coop and am regretting it, but already thinking of alternatives.
What’s your favorite feeder system?

I give them free choice of layer feed during daylight hours - as soon as feeder runs low I refill. I also give them fermented grower in morning.

I don't have a rodent issue during the day. The feeder goes into a metal trash can at night to deter pests.

As my run is not covered the feeder goes in the coop to stay dry. My coop is prefab but it's not so tight that a standard gallon size feeder can't sit in it during the day.

 

[lazy gardener]

Feed them as much as they want to eat. I prefer fermented feed for the nutritional advantage as well as the cost savings, the lack of waste, and the fact that FF is not as likely to be an issue for rodent infestation.

 

[blackdog043]

I use a five gallon no waste feeder, there is always feed available. I put fermented feed out in the morning, if they finish that, they have dry available.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@blackdog043 with the no waste feeder, can mice get in there? Since my coop is small, I would love to make the bucket version -do you have tips? Thanks!