HELP!!!How often to feed?

[new2chickens]

Total newbie question I know!!

I bought a 7lb feeder from tractor supply. I filled it and put it in the coop. I have 4 chickens...how often should I fill it?? Should I fill it as it gets low, or fill it only when it is almost empty, or should I not fill it all the way??

Thanks!!

Sarah

 

[Cheryl]

I believe the answer is to just keep it filled, let them eat whenever they want...

 

[Buster]

I fill mine up when it starts getting low so they always have feed.

 

[new2chickens]

Thats what I figured....just wanted to check!! Does it matter if they are free range??

 

[Buster]

No, I personally would have feed available to them at all times so you can at least monitor that they are getting the good stuff in your storebought feed. They won't eat as much feed being free range but it's important to keep good feed available for them always.

 

[littlebanty]

Keep it filled. I personally dont like gravity feeders. I use the low pans for livestock and give my 14 chickens a 3 ducks 1 3qt scoop every morning. I find that they still have some pellets left on the bottom they didnt eat the day before. I find this to be easier for me.

 

[silkiechicken]

I make sure mine is filled 6/7 days of the week and let them clean up the bottom on the weekend when I am home before I re fill it. Reason being, is a cup of feed left outside here will mold and turn green in one week if it is left out. I don't want a few un lucky pellets to turn green in our feeders and make them sick. If your humidty is low or the feeders are inside, shouldn't be a problem to keep them full all the time. Mine are covered but not inside.