Feeding on schedule?

[Kittymomma]

I think most of us free feed. It seems to me that you would hve to at least double if not triple the number of feeders you put out if you're only going to do it a couple of times a day or else the lower ranking hens would never get to eat.

I know many people take the feed away from meat chickens part of the time to prevent them from overeating, but it's not much of a problem with layers. I keep feed/water and oyster shell available 24/7. The feed and oyster shell is in the coop and the water is in the run (the two ducks make too much of a mess with it.) If you have a rodent problem it's a good idea to put the feed up at night, but they should still have access to it during the day.

 

[cpegram]

I have two self feeders in the coop and one out in the run.....i give them treats at least once a day...

...if i or my DH is home for the day they free range all day.

 

[CompostQueen]

Thanks so much for all the responses. I am aware of how to offer food free choice as that is what I am doing now.
The instructor felt that if you offered it to them only at mealtimes you had another tool to gather them with. There was more to it than that I just can't remember.

 

[MakNugget]

A little off topic but this morning as I was doing my morning check w/chopped kale, the buff orpington went on a freakout rampage. After unsuccessfully trying to lure it with a handful, I realized its objection was toward my use of the wooden bowl. Bad owner. Wooden bowl=the devil, duly noted. They prefer the white melamine bowls with oriental designs, apparently. Sheesh.

I showed them the Sunmaid Raisins box and their recovery from the traumatic experience was instantaneous.

 

[cpegram]

Quote:
If i need to gather them up in a hurry I throw some BOSS in the run they all come running or any left overs not eaten in the fridge

works everytime

 

[kcsunshine]

Mine come from all over when I walk out the door with a piece of bread in my hand. I pinch off little bits and toss it in front of them and they run straight into their run. Silly girls.

 

[briteday]

I have two reasons not to free feed at my house...1) rodent infestations...give them free food and they stick around forever, really bad mouse problem this Spring...2) I purchased ISA Browns and went to the Hendrix Genetics website to learn more abut the breed...they said that the best egg production was achieved when the hens were fed 4 hours prior to lights out. So I feed mine when I collect eggs for the last time at 4PM...and there is always still some in the feeder when I check on them in the morning.

 

[DukesAngel]

I feed once in the morning and once in the evening. I do not like the food sitting in the runs. It just asks for bugs to come over and have a little food party. I'm sure the chickens would love that, but it grosses me out. To each their own though.

 

[OutInTheStiks]

Quote:
Lol, mine know the difference between the white poop board cleaning bucket and the blue garden gathering bucket. I could walk around the yard all day with the white bucket and they never more than glance at it. If they catch a glimpse of the blue bucket they descend like vultures on a kill.

 

[Beckymca]

I'm learning so much just from reading the post on this site! Thanks everyone for sharing! I have some BOSS but haven't given any treats at all, my horses get treats every night and they love them, now to endulge with chicken treats!!!

My 6 hens were free ranged before I got them and I've been wanting to let them out of the pen when I'm home but worried how I'd get them all back in, now I can work on treat training!!! Yipee!!!