Feeding my 3 chickens (new at this)?

[chicklover 1998]

Why let them out to wander? You will lose them to predators and dogs in no time. Keep them in your yard.

they want their chickens to have the benefit of free range.

 

[chicklover 1998]

Quote:

 

[enigma9o7]

Since they found a way thru the side fence somehow into neighbors yard, seems they're bored with our yard, so thought they might want more space. Other benefits include less poop in our yard, and they'll probably find more bugs or whatever it is they are pecking around for when they're out so better diet.

I don't think our fence is stopping anything from getting in, except possibly dogs, but dogs are supposed to be on leashes around here anyway. Cats, possums, squirrels whatever, can go over the fence just fine.

Bummer a doggy door or something doesn't work tho. What about an anklet, will they wear that? could put our phone number on it or something.

 

[chicklover 1998]

Since they found a way thru the side fence somehow into neighbors yard, seems they're bored with our yard, so thought they might want more space. Other benefits include less poop in our yard, and they'll probably find more bugs or whatever it is they are pecking around for when they're out so better diet.

I don't think our fence is stopping anything from getting in, except possibly dogs, but dogs are supposed to be on leashes around here anyway. Cats, possums, squirrels whatever, can go over the fence just fine.

Bummer a doggy door or something doesn't work tho. What about an anklet, will they wear that? could put our phone number on it or something.yeah they are called bands but they aren't very big, and I wouldn't add anything to it because it could get hooked on something like a bush.

 

[Jacinta]

Feeding. I have a bucket next to me while I cook, everything I dont use goes to them. I have a bucket to save the egg shells-smash-feed. Any unused leftovers goes to them at the end of the week.
Things they mostly dont eat and leave there: banana peels, strawberries, onions, celery, potatoes, coliflower, brocoli, carrots. My are they picky or what!! They love tomatoes, salads, grounded meat of any kind (i put in food processor), bread, i share my chips when im eating chips and salsa and hanging out with them, corn tortillas, old bread soaked in water, everything goes from my kitchen to the chickens then to compost. They have Modesto Milling layer fed available 24/7 and several buckets of water.

 

[enigma9o7]

On the left is the box from what I got at the supermarket, which was basically fine sand. On the right is the "mineral grit" from a local feed store. Picture isn't very good, hmmm. Anyways I think it's the right stuff?

 

[Jacinta]

On the left is the box from what I got at the supermarket, which was basically fine sand. On the right is the "mineral grit" from a local feed store. Picture isn't very good, hmmm. Anyways I think it's the right stuff?

Did somebody recomend you give that to the chickens?? When my chickens were young, before they started laying, I only fed them the "started" food, once they started laying we switch to laying pellets, that's pretty much all they need, the rest is for fun. If you buy a good quality of food they really dont "need" the extras. The kitchen scraps are complementary but if I dont have any scraps they are good with the pellets alone. I think.

 

[krzychickenlady]

I have a question.. I have about a dozen hens that should start laying in the next couples weeks. I have a large trash can that I keep about 100lbs of feed in, can I mix about another 20 or 50lbs of layer in the mix just to help? Or should I wait until they start laying

 

[enigma9o7]

Did somebody recomend you give that to the chickens?? When my chickens were young, before they started laying, I only fed them the "started" food, once they started laying we switch to laying pellets, that's pretty much all they need, the rest is for fun. If you buy a good quality of food they really dont "need" the extras. The kitchen scraps are complementary but if I dont have any scraps they are good with the pellets alone. I think.

My understanding is if you feed them scraps them you must also offer them gravel/grit or they can't digest it. I read that on this forum in multiple places. The only thing I'm having difficulty finding is gravel & grit meant for chickens, that's why I'm wondering if the 'mineral grit' stuff is good. I did read on here the pet-food type was fine for chicks, and they've finished the box, but now they're 9-weeks old need the real stuff....

 

[Jacinta]

My understanding is if you feed them scraps them you must also offer them gravel/grit or they can't digest it.  I read that on this forum in multiple places.  The only thing I'm having difficulty finding is gravel & grit meant for chickens, that's why I'm wondering if the 'mineral grit' stuff is good.  I did read on here the pet-food type was fine for chicks, and they've finished the box, but now they're 9-weeks old need the real stuff....

So I got curious and google it, ha! They do reccomend that, weird, my older hens are 18months old, they lay an egg almost everyday, I have never giving them any of that. They do have plenty of dirt to scratch and I made them a bathing dusting pool (a kiddie pool filled with soil) they love it. I just read a bag of builders sand spread on the ground will work too. I had no idea! (I still wont buy anything for us since mine seem fine so far, egg production is enough of a proof for me of a healthy hen).