Feeding Scratch

[flytpm]

I keep a feeder full of scratch in my coop all the time ( I think I need to switch to layer pellets after what I've read on here). But my problem is the 5 bantams I have waste more in the pine shavings than they eat. What do i need to do and should i keep my feed and water in coop or pen?

 

[BeccaOH]

I keep my feed and water in the coop. Watch that your waterer doesn't leak, though. I set mine on a building block. I hang my feeder. I have laying mash in the feeder all the time, and I don't see much on the floor. I also have a tray of oyster shell and grit out at all times. I only give about a cup of scratch grains to my 12 chickens when I let them out in the yard in the morning. It gives them something to search for on the bare ground. Sometimes I use a handful of scratch on the coop floor to entice the chickens to come in for the night so I can lock their door.

 

[thechickenchick]

I second almost everything Becca said. I use a hanging feeder which really seems to keep them from wasting so much. I feed layer pellets though, I have found it lasts longer than mash/crumble.

For scratch I do the same as you Becca. They get a couple of hand fulls scattered in the run as a breakfast treat. Then at night if I want to go to bed before they do

, I just start digging in the bag in the coop and they all come rushing in! I put a handful or 2 in a few places and say goodnight!