Food amount

[64joan]

Hi I am relatively new to this hen keeping and I have 4 rescue hens , they live in a 6x9 shed with a wired front as we have two dogs , so they are not free range . My problem is I have read they should have about 4 ounces of layers pellets per bird . Do I just put that amount in their feeder or a unspecified amount so they can help them selves .

 

[PouleChick]

Hi and welcome to BYC .

That is lovely that you have saved some rescue chickens! I have had chickens only since Christmas so a newbie myself. I have been giving them freechoice food all day until today I have decided to weigh out 110gm each and see if they are clamouring for more - just an experiment really as I read that that is how much they 'should' eat and I have no idea!
If they are not outside then they won't be getting extra from free-ranging but I'm not sure if ex-batts will just keep eating if it is left out all the time? I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can give you a better answer than I can!

 

[64joan]

Hi thanks , just looking to get it right as my ladies can eat for England ha ha . They also get treats later like melon ,courgettes , pineapple , all greens and many other things .It just seems their feeder is empty by mid morning , but as their home is so secure they put themselves to bed and are up first light so filling up early .

 

[mountain chicken]

chickens will eat constantly if you let them putting them on a feeding schedule seems to cut down there compulsive eating habits ,

letting them free range will give them time to roam letting them find their own healthy goodies to eat . so this helps save on feed overtime ,

I have 13 4 week olds boy can they eat I started feeding from 10lb bags that didn't last long now I started 50lb bags .

they free range in the yard under supervision since they are still young , It will be nice once they are old enough to start feeding them scraps and fresh produce and letting them roam the 5 acres we have.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My hens get free access to pellets all day. They can self regulate the amount they eat.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I make sure my chickens have food in their run at all times. Water too. They get to free range from 4 to 8 hours each day now and I've noticed they don't eat as much as they did penned up. If you don't free range you should give them treats that they would get while free ranging on occasion. Get dried meal worms, real worms, and spinach leaves and treat them every few days. Also in the heat of the summer they love a nice cold watermelon slice! I also give them yogurt. For something to do you can hang head of cabbage in the run for them to peck! I understand about the dogs. We have 4 and they would all just as soon eat the chickens as look at them! Husband put a 4 foot fence up for the chicken's free range area. So far they don't jump the fence, they are happy to be out and are satisfied (so far, knock on wood) with the 50 ft x 50 ft area to range. If you have space you may consider doing the same for your chickens. They are much happier being able to range. Good luck and Welcome Here!

 

[64joan]

Thanks for all your replies They are not free ranging but have plenty of room they have plenty of treats love their greens but just go ape when you put them in . I have to be quick as they have no manners. They have a large 9 x 6 shed with wire on the 9ft side and their coop is inside but raised on legs so they have room to run around under it . I think they are happy with their hotel rather than being a bat hen .