Feeding

[Samt1961]

How much feed does 20 laying hens eat a week. Trying to figure out cost. Thanks

 

[neo71665]

About 1.5 lbs a week per bird but thats not set in stone. Big meat birds will of course eat more than a silkie.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

There's going to be variation based on breed, on feed, and on weather conditions - but the "thumb rule" is that an adult hen eats about 1/4# per chicken per day. So you are looking at about 35# per week, as much as 40# with waste factored in.

 

[My Bagurks]

Free ranging can drastically reduce this number. Kitchen scraps, treats, growing chicken fodder are also great things to reduce feed costs. Even mulching your run can take a small dent out of feed due to bugs and such living in the mulch.

Above posts are correct though. It does vary here and there. But calculate it for the higher end of the scale and then trim it down.

 

[neo71665]

Kitchen scraps and treats are not a good substitute for feed that is designed to properly give the chickens all the nutrients they need. It is filler that restricts how much of the proper feed a chicken can eat. Just like giving a kid a bag of candy so you don't have to buy him a full lunch meal.

 

[WIchickMama]

To reduce waste feed, many find a hanging feeder or pvc pipe feeder or bucket with feeding holes in sides are helpful, then they can't scratch it out all over or tip/dump feeders.

Also if you can get/make one with a cover it protects from weather and feces.

 

[My Bagurks]

Kitchen scraps and treats are not a good substitute for feed that is designed to properly give the chickens all the nutrients they need. It is filler that restricts how much of the proper feed a chicken can eat. Just like giving a kid a bag of candy so you don't have to buy him a full lunch meal.

Absolutely correct. I’m not saying kitchen scraps take the place of quality feed. And you need to absolutely be mindful of what kitchen scraps are given.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

I've read that fermenting feed can reduce feed costs because the chickens' bodies use it more efficiently and the added water causes the food to expand. It's also good for the chickens' overall health.

https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/fermentation.html

 

[Folly's place]

You can also read that fermenting feed made no difference at all. And it's just another chore...
Mary

 

[samanthaoverton]

You can also read that fermenting feed made no difference at all. And it's just another chore...
Mary

I agree.it is a chore..and my girls just didn't seem as healthy as dry food. I had to keep adjusting. Till they ate exactly the same amount as dry food..so what is the point?