How do I know if my chickens are getting enough to eat?

[hokiepaws]

I Have 2 Each follwing Breeds, Auatralorp, Barred Rock, EasterEgger,Speckled Sussex, Buff Brahma (Total 10) They Will Be 20 Week Monday. I Have Read 17-24 Weeks To Start Laying, FiguredWith The Different Breeds I Would Have AtleasT One Hen On The EarLy Side. They Eat Grower/Finisher Crumbles, Kitchen Scraps Everyday, And Free Range A Few Times A Week. TheyDo Finish The Crumbles I GivE In The Am, But I Was CautionedAgainst OFfering Food Constantly For RiSk Of.attracting Predators.

 

[Judy]

Many if not most people here offer feed free choice. They don't eat at night, so some people put it up at night to prevent rats/mice from getting into it. I've actually never read of it attracting any other animals, except wild birds.

 

[Muffinburgler]

I leave my chicken food out 24/7, and all it's ever attracted is jays, which gives the chickens something to chase. I wouldn't worry about your food attracting anything bad, but putting it away at night wouldn't hurt.

 

[mrsc1951]

I too offer free choice food but I put it away at night. My girls free range all day and don't eat a lot of the layer crumble but I keep it out for them in the event their is a shortage of bugs, worms, lizards or baby snakes. Plus they get some sort of treat every evening. I have also wondered if they were getting enough to eat but their weight has held steady and they lay regularly so something is right.