How do I feed 21 chickens that are all together?

[kevm2017]

I feed my hen and roos whole corn and layer feed. I toss bunches of feed at diferent places to give everyone a chance to eat evenly. I am not liking the idea of my chickens eating from the soil since wild birds come and visit their run. If I put a tray they fight over it. I was thinking making a 22 holes in a 2 inch 8ft pvc pipe? Any suggestions or ideas. Thankyou

 

[junebuggena]

Layer feed is for actively laying birds only. Grower, flock raiser, or all flock is what you should be feeding, with crushed oyster shell offered separately for those that need extra calcium. Corn is not feed. It's high calorie, and if too much is fed it will unbalance the nutrients in the feed and cause excess fat deposits which can contribute to laying complications.
I prefer metal tough-style feeders. I can't leave feed out overnight due to unwanted nighttime visitors, so I need a feeder that is easily brought inside in the evening.

 

[nminusyplusm]

I feed my hen and roos whole corn and layer feed. I toss bunches of feed at diferent places to give everyone a chance to eat evenly. I am not liking the idea of my chickens eating from the soil since wild birds come and visit their run. If I put a tray they fight over it. I was thinking making a 22 holes in a 2 inch 8ft pvc pipe? Any suggestions or ideas. Thankyou

If you're thinking of making a gravity feeder with an 8ft horizontal length, don't. Feed won't travel that far.

I'd switch to all flock in a few 5 gallon bucket/pvc feeders with portholes. There are lots of designs for these on BYC. And give oyster shell for calcium free choice for the layers.

ETA: Like this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chick-feeders-no-waste.1019230/#post-15804494

 

[kevm2017]

Layer feed is for actively laying birds only. Grower, flock raiser, or all flock is what you should be feeding, with crushed oyster shell offered separately for those that need extra calcium. Corn is not feed. It's high calorie, and if too much is fed it will unbalance the nutrients in the feed and cause excess fat deposits which can contribute to laying complications.
I prefer metal tough-style feeders. I can't leave feed out overnight due to unwanted nighttime visitors, so I need a feeder that is easily brought inside in the evening.

Interesting!! Ill head to tractor supply and buy flock raiser and start laying feed in spring will once in a while corn be fine? I see they love it

 

[kevm2017]

If you're thinking of making a gravity feeder with an 8ft horizontal length, don't. Feed won't travel that far.

I'd switch to all flock in a few 5 gallon bucket/pvc feeders with portholes. There are lots of designs for these on BYC. And give oyster shell for calcium free choice for the layers.

ETA: Like this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chick-feeders-no-waste.1019230/#post-15804494

For sure I like the waterer in that link. Will continue to search for feeders ideas

 

[nminusyplusm]

Interesting!! Ill head to tractor supply and buy flock raiser and start laying feed in spring will once in a while corn be fine? I see they love it

If you have a mixed flock you don't need layer feed at all. Stick with a flock raiser and offer calcium free choice. Those that need it will take what they want. No one who doesn't will get too much.

 

[adrikeen]

I use a Chick-Inn Poultry Feeder - holds 50lbs - and it easily feeds 24+ bantams for the entire week. For full size chickens I'm sure you would have to refill it a time or two. This has been the best feeder option for me. It cleans easily too.

 

[nminusyplusm]

What don't you like about the feeders in that thread? They work well and are cheap and easy to make.

 

[Stayc]

I use a couple feeding stations. Even if its just 2. It tends to keep the higher rank from picking on the low one. Best of luck to you!!

 

[red horse ranch]

I have 4 different hanging feeders placed around the henhouse. All 50 of my birds manage to get something to eat. I would suggest just using several feeders instead of just one. I also have coffee cans of water setting around at several different location inside the building in addition to the 3 gallon waterer..