How much do your chickens eat?

[Mosey2003]

I would estimate mine eat about 1/3lb each per day. They get one full feed scoop for 12 birds (11 hens, 1 rooster), and I think that weighs 4lbs. They're pretty decent sized large fowl birds. If I give them more in the afternoon they'll get excited about it, but not actually eat much more.

If yours are eating much more than that I'd have some fecals ran, check body condition on them, and think about something else poaching the feed.

Find a way to either secure the feed at night, or start feeding daily in troughs. Try 1/3lb per bird put out in the morning, and see if they finish it. If they're eating much more than that, I'd be concerned about why. If they're leaving some, keep adjusting until it's the right amount. I use a length of vinyl gutter put through the holes in cinder blocks for a feeder.

 

[b2c2chicks]

I’d bet on rats. Our old coop with the chickens eating less has large holes dug under it that we’ve filled in. The run is enclosed in 2x4” welded wire but that wouldn’t keep rats out. I’m certain they come in from the holes in the floor.

The new coop has welded wire with 2 feet of standard chicken wire up the sides with no visible holes dug underneath. These are the chickens Going through 10lbs per day. I would be the holes I see around the rocks in front of the coop are mouse holes. I don’t think wild birds can get in.

To PP that asked, I’m in Virginessee (right on the line). Rats are probably stockpiling this time of year as it’s getting colder.