Free range chicks & food / water

[heybarb]

Our chicks are about 8-9 weeks old. They have been free-ranging for about 2 weeks. I've noticed that they aren't eating as much chick feed as I would have thought. They've also started wandering closer to the house where they stay all day, but their food and water is in the coop. In the beginning, they used to go in the coop mid-day (I thought to eat, drink and take a nap) but lately they are never near the coop until dusk. So, they'll go from 8:30 am when I let them out to about 7 pm without anything to drink...Should I be concerned about their chick food and water intake?

They are always back in the coop at dusk and will have a drink and eat some, but as a new "mom" to chicks, I guess I am worried about them eating and drinking enough...especially the foods that will help them to grow up to be healthy and happy egg layers!

Thanks!

 

[kengland]

Are there any puddles or anything else nearby that they can use as a source of water? My hens go through considerably less water then they did early on as a result of having many other "natural" sources. Mine also eat less by about 25%. If you coop them up at night, they will more than make up for whatever they need then.

 

[Aeropennchick]

I an interested in this as well. Mine are about seven weeks old and I let them out to free range a bit each day. Some days their feeder is empty when I take it in at night, and some days it looks like they hardly touched it! Same with the water.

 

[heybarb]

It's been pretty dry here, so no puddles or anything like that - although there is dew on the ground in the mornings...

 

[Campesina]

I put an old dog dish out with water when they are outside. My girls are older though. If they spend alot of time outside you might consider a 2nd waterer. Good luck !!!

 

[7L Farm]

I put a bowl under my a/c drain. I have an ice maker which has a drain as well.

 

[heybarb]

My son who is 5 years old, has found great pleasure in delivering a bowl of water to the chicks, wherever they might be, around 1pm when we get home. He also takes them a snack of chick starter. They definitely come running when he calls them - so that's been lots of fun to watch.

I guess I need to find a place they hang out and add an extra water bowl for the days that we don't get home until later in the afternoon!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

There is alot of moisture in the grasses they eat, and water can collect in leaves and things. I leave a water can outside and occasionally some will stroll by and drink from it. They seem to be well able to find food and water when they want but free range sure cuts down on my feed bill.