feeding too much

[littlelucypig]

i have 11 dom hens and a roo in the lot and they were laying good and then slowed down in the winter. now that it is spring i thought they would start laying again. one of my neighbors told me i was feeding them too much. and that fat chickens don't lay as good. how much do i feed them?

 

[kycowgirlchick]

I dont think that is true at all. They may need a better feed. Make sure you are feeding them a layer food. I keep the layer in a feeder, full all the time. Then I throw them some scratch each day separate from the feed. They also have grit separate from that. I like to throw them lettuce and greens from time to time.

 

[msgenie516]

Hi,

I also don't think that's possible. Chickens should have food available 24/7. My chickens are on an "all you can eat" diet and they look wonderful and lay great.

I don't think they will get fat unless they are fed the wrong food. I have found 21% protein layer pellets which I have been feeding them regularly. Many of the pellets on the market today are below 20% protein, which is not the greatest nutrition. You should check the label on your bag of feed and see the protein levels. That might be your problem.

Also, too many treats (such as bread, which they love to devour) are not good, either. I give them just a little to keep them happy.

Hope this helps!

Genie