Feed

[gryeyes]

Make sure they aren't getting more than 10% of their entire daily amount of food as treats, just as that wheat bread. I would keep the grit in a separate container, so they can take it as they need it.

 

[Newwell]

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My nine week old chickens have access to food & water 24/7, always have had since 1 day old. I make sure that the feeder has feed & the waterers are full & clean. They get treats in the AM & free range for most of the day. An extra water dish is set out on the back porch so it is available while they are out of the run. Grit is in a dish in the run for free choice. Mine are all healthy, happy, & growing bigger every day. Spoiled???? Absolutely!!!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

All chickens (except maybe CX) get unlimited feed because they won't overeat. It's very important for chicks to have feeders at least half full 24/7 to prevent eating feces which can give a coccidia outbreak especially if bedding gets wet.
Chicks here get nothing but grower crumbles until at least 8 weeks. They grow best on that and don't need grit.

 

[JodyJo]

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yes, mine have always been free choice....its not like they eat cuz they are bored...if they are eating, they are hungry...

 

[JodyJo]

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watch the amount of bread you feed...it should be more of a treat, not daily.

here is a poop chart, so you can reference:
http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

the roo is courting them...you can leave them together 24/7...they grow relationships this way, if that is how you want to put it...they don't need to be separate, unless you have good reason to do so.


The 3 hens appear to be relentless eating machines. They are constantly pecking, eating, wanting grass etc. I swear they grow bigger daily!!!
(they DO grow bigger every day!)

My little EE pullets stopped sounding like babies around 16-17 weeks or so...now they sound and look like the big girls!

 

[Mom2Five]

Mine too have unlimited access to food & water. I keep the food inside the coop and water is kept both inside and outside in various locations.