how much and what time to feed?

[sydney13]

right now im feeding store bought feed, free choice but ive decided im going to start mixing my own feed for my flock. i imigine it could be pretty expensive to get all those ingredients so i will probably restrict the amount of feed they eat instead of free choice. i remember reading some were you feed them only what they can clean up in 10 minutes. is this true? and what time of day should i feed them? mornings are busy so is it ok to give them feed in afternoon or evening?

 

[boogiedog]

I would strongly recommend food available 24/7. Just my $0.02. If they don't get enough food you may end up with feather-picking and other unpleasant issues.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I like to keep food in front of them all day long. Chickens do not eat one big meal a day but sort of munch all during the day, filling up their crop, digesting it, then filling it up again. I don't know where you heard to only feed them what they can clean up in 10 minutes unless that was somebody talking about feeding them treats. That is a pretty good rule of thumb for treats but not for regular food.

I do not think that is true, to only feed them what they can clean up in ten minutes. I think you would starve them to death feeding them that way.

 

[sydney13]

i could be wrong and it could have said 20 minutes i just don't remember

my chickens free range all day so i thought they would get enough through out the day with a few handfuls of feed but i guess i should just let them have it free choice?

 

[3chimama]

I agree!!
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[sydney13]

ok looks like i will feed free choice