How much feed?

I am having trouble determining how much our chickens SHOULD eat. I read in several places that they should have their pellets available to them at all times ... well, that just isn't possible. I swear they would eat a bag a day, and maybe more, if I would let them. The caged chickens don't eat an unreasonable amount. I've never managed to get enough feed to the banties to have any leftovers the next day. Almost never have anything left in the LF pen (mostly Brahmas). We have around 80 chooks (I think about 40 LF, the rest various banties) and 2 turkeys ... we go through about 3 bags a week and the birds still think they are starving to death. The chicks also seem to go through an unreal amount of starter, but I refuse to limit them since they are growing babies.

The chickens are not fat, but do they really need to eat this much? Do I need to worm them? I haven't seen any evidence of parasites, but I have been told that we should not go through that much feed. Is there a website or something that will tell how much a chicken of each size should get each day? It would be so much easier if I could say this pen has so many banties so they get this many scoops and this pen has so many large fowl so they get this many scoops and not have to worry about over or under feeding. I am scared to feed them too little. It is tough to monitor their condition as they are difficult to catch, so I won't necessarily know if they are losing weight as I don't catch them any more than I have to.

I know I am probably over thinking this somewhat, but I would really like to reduce the feed bill, if possible, but don't want to short the chickens on feed either.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

 

Crooked stripe, being blunt is fine when bluntness is needed, but I did say that I don't want to short them. I certainly intend to feed them and don't intend to make them suffer in any way. That is why I asked before simply cutting their feed to what I would rather feed them. If you reread my post I think you'll find that I quite clearly stated that I want them to get enough feed to maintain good condition but don't want to feed excess. I'm not sure why you interpreted this to mean that I don't want to feed my birds or that I would let them be hungry and suffer.

I asked this question because I have been told, both by some people on this board and by local chicken folk (who I tend not to listen to because they have some crazy ideas) that I am going through way more feed than I need to be. I was told (by more than one member of this board) that chickens would keep on eating even if they were no longer hungry, they would eat it because it is there. That brought me to my question of how much should each bird be getting.

DigitS', our climate isn't too bad. Most days are in the 40s-60s, with some days warmer and of course, some days colder. Coldest overnight temp thus far was 19 ... brrr! I expect all the animals to eat more on the colder days. Thanks for the link to that site, I will definitely check it out and keep in mind that our standards are mostly heavy breed birds and that it is colder right now.

If what they are eating isn't unreasonable, I really don't have a problem with that. Cheaper would be nice, but as I already said, I want to make sure they get enough to eat.

Thanks for the input.

 

Crooked stripe, I didn't take it as a personal attack at all, just wanted to re-emphasize my desire to do right by my chickens. I try not to take anything on forums personally because, unfortunately, it is difficult to read tone and intent.

As far as knowing the feed requirements, I thought I did until several people told me I was going through too much feed. I like to keep myself open to the possibility that I might not be doing it right after all, lol

I'm not really worried about the feed bill, I can afford it ... but if I am unnecessarily overspending on feed, I would be happy to reallocate those funds. It doesn't look like that is the way to go however (which was my initial instinct since they are maintaining condition just fine on their current ration). Feed bill will be reduced when we send the extra roosters to freezer camp, anyway.

I wish we could free range, but a large pen is the best we can do due to close neighbors and predators (hawks, coyotes, loose dogs). Our pen is very large for the number of birds, but is still all dirt (has never had grass since we have lived here).

Catfishingpokey, I have plans for a self feeder in the new coop, want it to hold at the very least 100 pounds of feed, maybe more (provided that I didn't find out I was way overfeeding). But, if it doesn't stop raining, new coop won't get built very fast. I am really starting to hate this rain.

Thanks everyone for the input. I will carry on as I have been with no reduction in the feed and will probably increase to ensure they are satisfied ... as long as they don't get fat, lol.

 

Even on those rare occasions when there is feed left over I get mobbed at the gate. I always have to throw a scoop into the run to get the chooks away from the gate so I can get in without them getting out. I figure it is just something new. Fresh feed must be very exciting, indeed. But I will try to increase to the point that there is just a bit leftover each day to be sure they are satisfied.

Where do you get your supplements? The only oyster shell I have been able to find is in those expensive, tiny bags. I buy it for my caged banties along with grit, but there is no way I could afford to feed the whole flock with that stuff. I have heard tell of 50 pound bags of oyster shell, but have not been able to locate any. Also, with your other supplements, do you get these at your feed store also? I will have to ask about them on my next visit (which will be Thursday).

Also, another question on the supplements ... do you mix them together, or have a separate container of each and just allow them to determine what they need?

As far as the people at co-op and TSC, I don't even ask them, lol. Most of our co-op employees are rude anyway. In saying the local people I was actually referring to one in particular who my papaw thinks is a chicken god. He is about 10,000 years old, has hundreds of birds in less-than-ideal conditions, and has had chickens for decades ... thus, what he says is the chicken law. Including using bleach to worm your flock. Not me, thanks. I'll spend the money for the real wormer if I need it and know that the worms are taken care of without undo harm to my poor birdies.

And actually, truth be told, most of the birds I care for (as well as most of the dogs) are my Dad's and my Mom always complains about the feed bill. She is really wanting to cut back so I offered to buy another bag a week so we can feed the birds properly. If he didn't have 30 roosters the feed bill would be a lot less, lol.