How many times a day?

[mullers3acers]

We were watering our hens two times a day and only feeding them in the evening this morning they were going off as if i haven't feed them for day's the temps are in the mid 30's I am so confused?

 

[BirdBrain]

They would probably appreciate being free choice fed with water available at all times.

 

[claud]

Yes, free choice food and water is best.

 

[purpletree23]

Free choice of water and food is necessary. It keeps the chickens healthiest and happiest.

 

[annette'spets]

I'm still confused about "free feeding"? One big feeder for them to eat out of- how much crumbles in it for 21 chickens? As it is we feed two times a day out of about six or seven pans(like pie pans) because the 2 roosters want their own and certain hens run off the ones they don't let eat with them so they run to another pan and it's rather hectic playing which pan can we eat with whom! This goes on about 10 minutes then they scratch what fell on the ground. The couple that don't get enough walk away and I feed a bit to them on the side. They also get treats at lunch of whatever we have left from the kitchen-bread ,veg. etc. This is time consuming so would love to put out something a leave for the day. I want them to free range also, not hang around in the barn yard. Any ideas will be appreciated.

 

[ShaggysGirl]

I keep feeders full or close to it at all times and I check water at least twice a day usually having to wipe out and refill them once a day in the big coops and some times ever other day in the small coops... I use reverse osmosis water so I don't dump it till it gets real low as I hate to waste it.

 

[Mahonri]

I have an auto waterer just outside the run that is hooked to a hose with a float. I dump it out every other day because they come to drink with feed in their mouth at times.

I have a feeder hanging in the coop that I never let run out. I also mix in a very small amount of oyster shell in the feed.

Everybody gets a chance to eat eventually.

 

[Tala]

annette'spets :

I'm still confused about "free feeding"? One big feeder for them to eat out of- how much crumbles in it for 21 chickens? As it is we feed two times a day out of about six or seven pans(like pie pans) because the 2 roosters want their own and certain hens run off the ones they don't let eat with them so they run to another pan and it's rather hectic playing which pan can we eat with whom! This goes on about 10 minutes then they scratch what fell on the ground. The couple that don't get enough walk away and I feed a bit to them on the side. They also get treats at lunch of whatever we have left from the kitchen-bread ,veg. etc. This is time consuming so would love to put out something a leave for the day. I want them to free range also, not hang around in the barn yard. Any ideas will be appreciated.

You're waaaaaaay overworking yourself!
I put out 2 feeders for my 13 birds. They are auto feeders that hold almost a full weeks' worth of food. I fill em up and basically ignore them for several days.

With food out all day every day the bossier birds can be over at the nest box, or out scratching under a tree, while the more timid birds can come to the feeder without being harassed. You need to have food out constantly, so that everyone gets a chance to eat their fill.​

 

[annette'spets]

Thanks guys for the info on the big feeders- will be buying a couple asap. guess I haven't seen them-some people make them(?)
and will try if I can't buy.
Tala, those are nice photos and I sure will be happy not to be spending sooooo much time feeding and watering!! Not that I don't enjoy watching them watch me, probably saying "you missed a spot".