Feeding for the first time

[chachie]

I'm getting 4 hens today and I'm curious what is the proper way to feed them. I've been told to provide enough feed for them to finish in a half hour. Can I not just put a bunch of feed out and let them eat as they please? They will be in a chicken tractor so they'll have grass/bugs/etc. as well.

Never had chickens before, getting excited
Thanks

 

[Percheron chick]

Free feed them. If you restrict their eating to 1/2 hour, they aren't going to meet their caloric needs. Most hens spend the majority of their day looking for something to eat. The timid hens will be shut out of the eating as well.

Provide them with a balanced layer ration. You shouldn't need to supplement with grit at they will get that from the dirt. You can offer oystershells separate but their needs should be met by the ration. If their eggs start to get soft or crack easily, they need more Ca (oystershells).

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I leave a balanced feed out all the time, too. They'll eat only what they need, when they need it.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

The most common method is to leave food available 24/7. Chickens will not over-eat and prefer to graze all day. The only exception is if you are raising a meat-specific breed like a cornish x.

 

[chachie]

Sounds good, thanks for the replies....now to get them relaxed and used to their new home