Feeding your animals!

[ducks4you]

I keep the bowls of food and water full all of the time for the dogs, the cats and the chickens. I try to grain my horses at the same time daily, but will feed earlier or later if they're outside and it's raining--they are on 24/7 pasture right now.
I check everyone daily.

 

[arabianequine]

Halo......I don't think that was implied at me about feeding in the evening only as I did state I feed 2 times a day. Maybe not to anyone may your just saying. My real question to everyone does the time really matter?

 

[Beekissed]

Well, it sort of does....my chickens free range over a large area and I like to encourage them getting the bulk of their nutrition from their foraging. If they have a full crop of feed already, they are not as likely to glean much from their range. More variety in their diets spells a healthier chicken and a lower feed bill for me...its a win/win situation.

I feed in the evening so that any chicken that didn't get enough from their forage has a chance to go to bed with a full belly. And, yes, it does cause them to poop more in the coop, which I find quite desirable....I use deep litter and it all gets applied to my garden twice a year. The more manure the better!

I think most folks have reasons for how much and what time they feed their respective animals...just like your kids, you know your animals best and you know what makes them thrive.