Food Schedule?

[jsullivan704]

I have two geese and two ducks. I read somewhat that people have them on a schedule for feeding. Is that necessary? If so what kind of schedule should they be on? The bigger ones are around 9 weeks, the younger are around 3 weeks. Should just the big ones be on a schedule right now? Suggestions? I let the big ones out at 8 am, and put them to “bed” at 8 pm. In their coop. I don’t give them food at night, just water. But I give the little ones food constantly. Should I change that?

Also, I have both on grit, the older ones grit says mix in the food. The younger ones says give it separately, can I mix it? Or should i not. I’m giving them the amount it says but I feel like it’s easier to just mix it into the food.

 

[Latestarter]

I don't own waterfowl. That being said, If they are out free ranging, they shouldn't need you adding additional grit unless you live on pure clay. There must be sand/gravel/small stones available to them on the ground. The feeding schedule, IMHO, should be solely related to what works best for you... If you feel they need feed once a day in the morning or maybe twice morning and evening, then do so. If you feed them before they freerange, they will fill up on feed and get less from the ranging. If you feed them right before bed, they'll be sure to have full crops to work on overnight while roosting.

Really, it comes down to the physical condition of the birds... Do they need the feed or is the free ranging producing enough nutrition for them? Feel their breasts and see how much muscle they are carrying. Look at their feathers and the condition of same. Look at their energy levels and how they are moving. Look at how healthy they do or do not look.

 

[Whitepinefarm]

My chicks are 3-4 weeks old. They are now flying up and out of the box they have been in since birth although I have had them out in their run for several hours during the day. Tonight I am going to be leaving them in their coop for the first time. How many hours should they be in it and should I put food and water in there for them?

 

[jsullivan704]

My chicks are 3-4 weeks old. They are now flying up and out of the box they have been in since birth although I have had them out in their run for several hours during the day. Tonight I am going to be leaving them in their coop for the first time. How many hours should they be in it and should I put food and water in there for them?

I put my guys away at dusk, or a little before. And I take them back out in the morning (8 am or so). I stopped giving my older guys food at night at about 6 weeks, But i’ve read from others they stop around 4 weeks. Some people say they don’t even need water at night, But it always makes me feel better when they do. I supply them feed and water throughout the day, just water at night. Seems to make them happy, and me happy! It’s a little more cleanup in the coop, and more bedding changes because of the water spilling, but that doesn’t bother me.

I also have two little ones who are around 4 weeks, They are still in a pen at night inside my garage, but during the day I let them outside in a tiny enclosure where the bigger guys can see them but not touch them. They get constant food and water 24/7. I will probably stop the food at night soon.

I’m not an expert but my geese and ducks seem very happy and healthy so far! Good Luck.

 

[Whitepinefarm]

Thanks for replies. I have been putting my chickens into their run each day ( they are 3-4 weeks ) but keeping them in their brooder box each night. The run just sat on grass so the chicks were able to dig around a little. I now reinforced the bottom with hardware cloth because I am going to have them sleep there at night and we have loads of predators in the area. This base now doesn't allow the chicks access to the grass. I am in the process of having a larger electrified area, 10 x 10, being built which will enclose the coop and give the chicks additional room to run. My questions is can the birds walk on the hardware cloth which has some grass pushing through or do I need to cover the base with shavings to protect their feet. The new enclosure will have sand throughout but it won't be ready for 2 weeks.

 

[jsullivan704]

Thanks for replies. I have been putting my chickens into their run each day ( they are 3-4 weeks ) but keeping them in their brooder box each night. The run just sat on grass so the chicks were able to dig around a little. I now reinforced the bottom with hardware cloth because I am going to have them sleep there at night and we have loads of predators in the area. This base now doesn't allow the chicks access to the grass. I am in the process of having a larger electrified area, 10 x 10, being built which will enclose the coop and give the chicks additional room to run. My questions is can the birds walk on the hardware cloth which has some grass pushing through or do I need to cover the base with shavings to protect their feet. The new enclosure will have sand throughout but it won't be ready for 2 weeks.

I don’t have chickens so don’t take my word for this, But i’ve read that the wire can hurt the chickens feet. I was going to put wire in my guys coop, but decided not to. Though some people put wire anyways and the chickens seem fine. I guess it’s more of a preference thing, if you think it would be okay for your chicks or not. Maybe try it out without bedding and watch them? See if they seem comfortable or not. If not just put bedding on top.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Put bedding over it, thick as you can. Wire is hard on most animals' feet and chickens have the instinct to dig, so you want to minimize contact with the wire as much as possible.