Feeding ?

Ro-Ro

Chirping
Dec 7, 2015
120
28
78
Florida
Do you let your chicken feed out all day or do you take it away at a certain time? I have been leaving them with food 24 hrs a day plus their water. Is this right or should I limit their food at night?
 
They won't eat at night since they can't see nor will they come off the roost unless there is a light.
But keeping feed available all waking hours is what I usually do.
Some people restrict feed but for most management purposes there really is no need.
You may want to put feed away at night to discourage rodents.
 
They won't eat at night since they can't see nor will they come off the roost unless there is a light.
But keeping feed available all waking hours is what I usually do.
Some people restrict feed but for most management purposes there really is no need.
You may want to put feed away at night to discourage rodents.
[/quote Thank you for the info. I do have a dim night light on at night. Lol
 
Chickens don't really eat at night. They have terrible night vision so they don't do much other than sleep. Food left out at night will only attract unwanted pests.
Thxs, I didn't know they have terrible vision at night. They do have a dim night light inside the coop. I will be removing the feeder at night from now on. Don't need rodents coming around. Yuck lol
 
I agree! I used to leave feed out at night, but as mentioned above it attracts unwanted rodents. I have a mice issue right now. I put my feed away in a metal bin every night. I do the same with the water feeders. I'm trying different methods catching these nasty little critters.
 
Thxs, I didn't know they have terrible vision at night. They do have a dim night light inside the coop. I will be removing the feeder at night from now on. Don't need rodents coming around. Yuck lol
They really don't need the night light either. It probably isn't a problem but a completely dark period is good for them and their psyche. If there is enough light, they may come down off the roost in the middle of the night.

I agree! I used to leave feed out at night, but as mentioned above it attracts unwanted rodents. I have a mice issue right now. I put my feed away in a metal bin every night. I do the same with the water feeders. I'm trying different methods catching these nasty little critters.
I love the homemade bucket trap. You can catch multiple mice in a single night.
http://fivegallonideas.com/bucket-mouse-trap/
There are many versions.

Most recommend a metal feed container for rodent prevention. I see you live in TX. If it isn't humid where you live that is a good plan. Where I live, it can get extremely hot and always with high humidity. In those conditions, metal containers can sweat and cause mold. I switched to big plastic stacking bins. Haven't had a rodent problem.
 
I agree! I used to leave feed out at night, but as mentioned above it attracts unwanted rodents. I have a mice issue right now. I put my feed away in a metal bin every night. I do the same with the water feeders. I'm trying different methods catching these nasty little critters. 
Thxs, I sure won't be leaving any feed out from now on.
 

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