Feeding Times

[lex381]

are chickens supposed to have access to food 24/7? if not when??

 

[chickenshagg]

Mine do! Of course they don't eat at night.

 

[feathersnuggles]

You said "chickes". Did you mean chicks? If you have a brood lamp on (which you should have if they are young), they will eat around the clock, with little naps in between. It's important to have food and water available to them, at all times, since they are growing VERY rapidly.

If you meant adult chickens, then you can also leave food and water always available. I do that. However, if you don't add artificial light to the coop, they will not eat between sunset and early a.m.

 

[Akane]

They should have food available all the time. You might get away with removing it at night to prevent pests from being attracted to it but it should be replaced when the chickens get up which will be with the sun. If you can't do that it's best to leave it out 24/7. Chickens evolved to eat constantly and won't do well without food for any length of time. If it's cold out it makes it even worse. A couple times now I've lost younger chickens that were out in cold weather and went without food for a few hours. Keep the food and water full 24/7 and I don't lose any all winter. I just get the occasional frostbit combs. A few hours of empty crops can make the difference.

 

[lex381]

ya sorry i was typing too fast... i meant chickens.....

 

[B'villechicken]

I also agree that they should have feed & water 24/7.