How much chick feed?

[Amy1444]

Can anyone tell me how much starter feed I will need for 12 chicks? Thanks

 

[trilyn]

I used a 50 lb bag for my 12 chicks and it lasted me a couple of months-keep it in a cool, dry location and in a container that vermin cannot get into. A metal trash can works great! I always kept their feeders and waterers full, never let them run out of either, there are conflicting views on this subject, but do what seems to work for you. Good luck and welcome to this exciting world of chickies!!!

 

[Amy1444]

Thanks that is about how much I figured. I have a plastic container I used for dog food..that should work fine to store it.

 

[catfish/okie]

Make sure they always have access to feed and water. Some baby chick grit is good too.

 

[TaylorC]

I have heard the laying hens will eat about 1/4 to 1/3 pound of feed a day. Does that sound close? (I'm building a feeder, would like to have a week of food in it.

 

[felidaet]

The amount of feed they eat can vary depending on a number of factors. Last summer and fall I was giving mine lots of weeds and garden scraps. Their feed consumption dropped quite a bit. Many people on here say that you go through a lot more feed if you use crumbles instead of pellets. I have had mine on pellets since they were 18 weeks old. (I happen to have them on crumbles right now because some of them are going through a light molt and I wanted the extra protein in Purina Flock Raiser.) I have also seen quite a bit of discussion that the brand of feed can make a difference.

For purposes of building a feeder, I would recommend building it on the larger side rather than too small. You don't have to fill it completely full. I just guessed on the size when I built mine. It turns out that it holds about 150 lbs of feed. I usually only put two bags (100 lbs) of feed in it at a time. I usually let it go completely empty (watching closely the last couple of days) before refilling it so that I make sure no food sits in it for a long perion of time and goes bad. 100 lbs usually lasts me roughly 5 weeks.